KUALA LUMPUR, March 29- The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) operates a network of 80 seismic sensors nationwide to date, in order to detect any earthquake activity within the country and the region.

Its director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said at the same time, countries around the world are also sharing data from their sensors for mutual information.

"MetMalaysia also operates 83 tsunami sirens located at areas vulnerable to tsunamis nationwide," he said.

"The Malaysian Tsunami Early Warning System (SAATNM) is capable of delivering earthquake information to the public within eight minutes after it is detected by the sensors," he said when contacted by Bernama.

SAATNM plays a role in detecting earthquakes occurring in the region and subsequently disseminating information about the temblors, including advice or warnings, if they has the potential to generate tsunamis.

Yesterday, the United States Geological Survey reported a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 that struck Myanmar at a depth of 10 kilometres. Minutes later, a magnitude 6.4 aftershock hit the same area.

Tremors were felt in Chiang Mai, Bangkok (Thailand) and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. - BERNAMA