A magnitude 6.8 earthquake near Chauk caused deaths and damaged ancient temples in Bagan, with tremors felt across multiple South Asian countries.
Key Facts
- Magnitude
- 6.8 Mw
- Depth
- 84.1 km
- Distance from Chauk
- 25 km
- Deaths reported
- 4 people
- Max Mercalli intensity
- VI (Strong)
- Local time of strike
- 5:04 PM (10:34 UTC)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The earthquake originated at a depth of approximately 84.1 km in an isolated area 25 km west of Chauk, Myanmar, where seismic activity along regional fault systems is common due to the region's position near the collision boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
On 24 August 2016 at 5:04 PM local time, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck near Chauk, Myanmar, reaching a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong). Tremors were felt across a wide area including Yangon, cities in northeastern India such as Patna, Guwahati, and Kolkata, as well as Bangkok and Dhaka.
The earthquake killed four people and caused damage to several ancient temples in Bagan, a UNESCO-recognized heritage site. The event prompted concern for the preservation of Bagan's historic religious structures and highlighted the vulnerability of Myanmar's archaeological assets to seismic activity.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 4 (earthquake)