Anearthquake of 4.2 magnitude in Richterscale hit Rakhine State at 9:55 pm on 12 January,stated the Myanmar meteorology and hydrology department, adding that theepicenter was found 19 miles east of Kyauktaw locality.

Theearthquake was felt in neighbouring localities as well. A woman from Sittweinformed  Narinjara News that she too felt a mild earthquake for a briefperiod.

Aresident of Buthidaung also confirmed that they experienced the earthquake intheir areas.

"InitiallyI thought the ground tremor was caused by a landmine explosion. But later Icame to know it was an earthquake," he added.

Similarly,local residents of Rathedaung and Kyaukphyu also felt the tremor. However, nocasualty or damage to properties have been reported.

Thehydrology department revealed that the epicenter of the tremor was at 20.84degrees north latitude and 93.39 degrees east longitude, where it occurred inthe depth of 7 kilometers. It took place about 57 miles northeast of Sittweearthquake station of Myanmar, which is approximately 19 miles east ofKyauktaw.