A magnitude-5.9 earthquake hit eastern Myanmar in Shan State at around 23:37 on 21 July, according to seismic monitors in the region and Europe.

The epicentre was about 53 kilometres (32 miles) south of Kengtung, Myanmar. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6 miles), and strong shaking was probably felt in parts of eastern Myanmar near the epicentre, with light-to-moderate shaking felt in parts of far northern Thailand, far northwestern Laos, and far southern China.

There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, significant damage is possible in areas near the epicentre.

In Kengtung (pop. 171,600) located 62 kilometres from the epicentre, Tachilek (pop. 51,600) 70 kilometres away, and Mae Sai (pop. 27,500) 72 kilometres away, the quake should have been felt as light shaking, reported the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).