Shaky start: Twin tremors jolt Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son
Residents report tremors after microearthquakes strike northern Thailand
Northern Thailand had a shaky wake-up call this morning when twin microearthquakes rattled Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son within minutes of each other, startling residents.
The Earthquake Observation Division of Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) reported two separate microearthquakes in the early hours of today, August 27, both striking at shallow depths of 3 kilometres.
The first tremor, a 1.5-magnitude quake, was recorded at 1.40am in Thanthong subdistrict, Phan district, Chiang Rai. Officials said the epicentre was located at latitude 19.707°N, longitude 99.699°E, with some residents in nearby communities reporting mild shaking.
Just four minutes later, at 1.44am, a stronger 2.4-magnitude earthquake struck Mae Hi subdistrict, Pai district, Mae Hong Son, also at a depth of 3 kilometres. Its epicentre was pinpointed at latitude 19.344°N, longitude 98.537°E.
The division confirmed that the tremors were light but noticeable to locals.
“People in the surrounding areas felt the shaking, although no damage has been reported.”
Microearthquakes, typically defined as those below magnitude 3.0, rarely cause structural damage but can be felt by those close to the epicentre, particularly when occurring at shallow depths. Northern Thailand, sitting near active fault lines, frequently experiences such minor seismic activity.
Officials reassured residents that there was no risk of larger aftershocks or significant damage from this morning’s tremors, reported The Nation.
Still, the TMD continues to monitor seismic activity in the region closely, especially in areas like Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, which lie near known fault zones.
Northern and western Thailand frequently experience small tremors linked to regional fault lines, according to the TMD. Residents in both provinces were urged to remain calm but vigilant, with officials stressing the importance of earthquake preparedness, even for seemingly minor events.
For now, life in Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son has returned to normal, though locals won’t soon forget the moment the earth shifted beneath their feet.
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