Story perspectives

5.9-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Myanmar, Tremors Felt in India

2/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on February 3, 2026, with the epicenter about 70 miles east of Akyab and a depth of 10 kilometers.
Tremors were felt in Kolkata and West Bengal, India.
Residents in Kolkata evacuated buildings as a precaution after the shaking.
No damage or injuries have been reported in India, and authorities monitor for aftershocks.
The event followed a 4.1-magnitude quake in Bangladesh earlier the same day.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, measuring 9.0, struck Japan on March 11, triggering a catastrophic tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. With over 18,000 casualties, it became the costliest natural disaster in history, causing an estimated $300 billion in damages. This event underscored the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, as seen in the recent 5.9-magnitude quake in Myanmar, highlighting vulnerabilities in densely populated areas.

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Story summary

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on February 3, 2026, with the epicenter about 70 miles east of Akyab and a depth of 10 kilometers.
Tremors were felt in Kolkata and West Bengal, India.
Residents in Kolkata evacuated buildings as a precaution after the shaking.
No damage or injuries have been reported in India, and authorities monitor for aftershocks.
The event followed a 4.1-magnitude quake in Bangladesh earlier the same day.

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