Breaking News: 5.1 Magnitude Aftershock Strikes Near Mandalay as Myanmar Reels from Deadly Quake

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake jolted the area near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on Sunday, according to the USGS, marking the latest in a series of aftershocks following Friday’s devastating quake. The tremor sent residents into a panic, with reports of people screaming as the ground shook once more.

The sequence began with a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit near Mandalay at midday on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Countless buildings crumbled, and critical infrastructure, including the city’s airport, sustained heavy damage. Authorities report that the death toll has surpassed 1,600, with over 3,400 people still missing a grim tally expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

Emergency response teams descended on the hardest-hit areas Sunday, racing against time to save lives amid formidable challenges. Damaged roads, fallen bridges, and disrupted communication lines have hampered their work, compounded by the ongoing civil conflict that has destabilized the region.

The initial quake’s impact was immediate and severe, leveling structures and straining Myanmar’s already fragile infrastructure. As aftershocks like Sunday’s 5.1 magnitude tremor persist, the nation braces for a long and arduous recovery.