3.9-magnitude earthquake hits small town in Myanmar's Yangon

YANGON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- A 3.9-magnitude earthquake hit Htantabin town in Myanmar's Yangon region on Saturday afternoon, according to a press release from the Meteorology and Hydrology Department.

The earthquake struck at 02:49:52 p.m. local time. The epicenter was 3.2 km southeast of Htantabin.

Meanwhile, an earthquake of 6.0-magnitude struck in the early hours on Friday with its epicenter being at 27.3 km west-southwest of Phyu city in Bago region.

So far, there have been several aftershocks since Friday's earthquake, a department official told Xinhua.

No damages have occurred with hydropower dams, switchyards and buildings in the region. No casualties and major damage to houses were reported so far.

In accordance with the report, about 70 earthquakes of low to moderate intensity jolted the country in 2017.

Earthquake awareness activities for the public including releasing notifications on unpredictable earthquakes are underway by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

People are urged to be aware of the dangers of earthquakes as both initial shocks and aftershocks can cause major damage and loss of life, the statement from the ministry said. Enditem