A series of earthquakes struck several regions across Asia on Sunday, April 13, sending waves of panic through Central and South Asia and underscoring the region’s seismic vulnerability. Four tremors — affecting parts of India, Myanmar, and Tajikistan — occurred within the span of just one hour.

On Sunday morning, a moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 hit the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. According to media reports, the quake occurred at 9:18 am at a depth of 5 km, with its epicenter near the town of Mandi, located at 31.49 degree latitude and 76.94 degree longitude. Though relatively weak, the tremor occurred in a region known for seismic activity.

Mandi lies within Seismic Zone 5, an area classified as having a high risk of earthquake damage. No casualties or property damage have been reported so far, but local authorities remain vigilant and are actively monitoring the situation.

Shortly afterward, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar, just days after the devastating March 28 quake. The epicenter of Sunday’s tremor was located between Mandalay and Naypyitaw, according to PTI reports.

The US Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 7.7 km, with the epicenter 97 kilometers south of Mandalay, in Wundwin township. Residents told the Associated Press (AP) that the tremor was strong enough to send people running from their homes, and some ceiling damage was observed. However, reports from Naypyitaw indicated that the quake was not felt there.

The quake coincided with Thingyan, Myanmar’s traditional New Year holiday, for which public festivities had already been canceled due to the recent tragedy. Still reeling from the March 28 disaster, Myanmar faces a compounded crisis — grappling with both the aftermath of the earthquake and the ongoing humanitarian impact of civil conflict.

The third and strongest quake occurred in Tajikistan at 9:54 am, where a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 10 km, followed by a 3.9 magnitude aftershock.

Both tremors were felt across the region, prompting precautionary evacuations from schools and commercial buildings in nearby towns. While no major damage has been reported, authorities remain on high alert due to the region’s well-known tectonic instability.