Saturday, July 12, 2025

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:43 AM local time (Asia/Yangon GMT +6:30), a moderate 4.0-magnitude earthquake shook the Mandalay Region of Myanmar on the morning of July 12, 2025. The epicenter was 16 kilometers (10 miles) northeast of Pyin Oo Lwin, and while the depth of the quake was not certain, it was likely to be shallow, considering there have been no major reports from the said region on severe shaking. So far, there have been no reports of injuries or widespread damage, although tourists traveling within Myanmar should still expect and prepare for potential aftershocks.

Understanding the Impact of the 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake

This earthquake occurred in a region known for its seismic activity, but fortunately, the tremor was not widely felt. The closest larger town, Mandalay, located 30 km (18 miles) southwest of the epicenter, experienced only weak shaking. Pyin Oo Lwin, situated just 16 km away, likely felt the earthquake with light shaking intensity (III on the seismic scale). Nearby smaller towns, including Sagaing and Kyaukse, also reported only weak tremors.

While there was no word on large damage, the quake reminded travelers to always stay informed on seismic activity, particularly where earthquakes are frequent like Myanmar. The quake didn’t travel as far as Nay Pyi Taw, which is the capital of Myanmar and located about 265 km (164 miles) from the epicenter.

Earthquake Details:

Where the Earthquake Was Felt

The tremor’s impact was mainly localized, with minimal damage or disruption. The areas most affected by the shaking were:

• Very weak shaking, population of 50,500
• Very weak shaking, population of 88,900

Despite the weak intensity of shaking, residents and tourists in these regions should be aware that further aftershocks could still occur.

Seismic Activity in the Region

The country has a long seismic history, and there are on average 43 earthquakes annually within the region close to the epicentre. Bigger earthquakes are not common but have been documented. Significantly, the biggest quake to hit the region was that which occurred during March 2025 and measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Bigger earthquakes such as this, however, are a rare occurrence, and a major, 6 or more magnitude, earthquake takes place about every 41.7 years. Earthquakes that have a 4 or more magnitude are more frequent, and 12.5 earthquakes take place every year.

This latest quake provides a reminder that while not as seismically active as certain areas, due to its location near large tectonic fault lines, earthquakes are always a risk within the country. Travelers should consider this when making travel plans to the area.

Travel Tips for Tourists in Myanmar

How to Reach Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay

One of tourists’ favorite destinations when visiting Myanmar, the Mandalay Region offers rich culture and ancient attractions. The “Summer Capital” of Myanmar, Pyin Oo Lwin, offers picturesque view, colonial architecture, and pleasant climate.

People traveling to Mandalay can arrive by flight to Mandalay International Airport, which connects to major Southeast Asian cities like Yangon, Bangkok, and Singapore. From Mandalay, tourists can travel to closer sites such as Pyin Oo Lwin by bus, private car, or even a picturesque railway journey.

While making travel arrangements, be sure to check the current weather conditions. The climate in Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin remains between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) throughout the year, and there are rainy seasons between May and October. Be sure to pack warm clothing and expect occasional showers during the monsoon months.

Staying Safe and Prepared

While the 4.0 Myanmar tremor was not highly destructive nor dangerous, still, this incident reminds Southeast Asian tourists to prepare and stay current. The nation’s seismicity, though not frequent, requires alertness and care, particularly in areas that are prone to experiencing aftershocks. For travelers who are to head to Mandalay or Pyin Oo Lwin, information on earthquake preparation and awareness on local updates will ensure that their travel will be an enjoyable and safe experience.