NEW DELHI: A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, early Friday, sending tremors as far as Bangkok, approximately 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) away. The quake caused extensive damage in two major cities, with images from the capital, Naypyidaw, showing rescue crews working to pull victims from the rubble of collapsed buildings. Authorities in Bangkok reported fatalities at three construction sites, including a high-rise that collapsed.
Experts say the earthquake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major seismic zone in Myanmar, and was relatively shallow, resulting in intense ground shaking. The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that nearly 800,000 people were in the zone of the strongest shaking, with preliminary projections suggesting a potential death toll exceeding 1,000, possibly much higher.
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What are earthquakes and why do they happen in certain parts of the world?
The Earth’s crust is broken into several large pieces known as tectonic plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.
This formation is “mostly stable, but along the edges they are moving,” Columbia University geophysicist Michael Steckler said.
Pressure builds up when these plates get stuck while sliding past each other. Over decades or centuries, stress accumulates until the plates suddenly shift, releasing energy that triggers an earthquake, Steckler explained.
Earthquakes commonly occur along the boundaries of tectonic plates, but their impacts can extend far beyond the fault lines. While undersea earthquakes may go unnoticed, those occurring near populated areas often lead to widespread destruction, primarily from collapsed buildings.
Also read: Myanmar-Thailand earthquake: Videos capture collapsing buildings, cracked roads, and mass panic
What do scientists know about earthquakes in advance?
Scientists can determine where earthquakes are likely to occur but cannot predict their exact timing, USGS seismologist Will Yeck said.
However, after a significant earthquake, researchers can anticipate aftershocks—smaller tremors caused by stress changes in the Earth’s crust following the main shock.
Given the scale of the Myanmar earthquake, “you will probably see aftershocks for the next several months,” Steckler said.
What should you do if you’re in a building when an earthquake strikes?
Regions with active fault lines, such as California and Japan, often enforce strict building codes to minimize earthquake damage. However, that is not always the case in other parts of the world.
“If you feel shaking, the guidance depends on where you are in the world,” Yeck said.
In many places, including the US, safety experts recommend dropping to the ground, covering your head by taking shelter under a sturdy object like a desk, and holding on. Avoid standing near windows or using elevators during an earthquake.
If outside, move to an open area away from buildings and trees that could collapse.
Depending on the earthquake’s location, additional hazards such as landslides, fires, or tsunamis may follow, Yeck added.
Why Myanmar is one of the most earthquake-vulnerable countries
Nestled in Southeast Asia, Myanmar sits atop a complex network of geological fault lines, making it one of the most earthquake-prone nations in the region. Positioned along one of the world’s most seismically active belts, the country has a long history of devastating earthquakes caused by shifting tectonic plates. From the deep-seated movements of the Andaman Megathrust to the constant activity along the Sagaing Fault, these underground forces have repeatedly reshaped Myanmar’s landscape.
Seismic setting and tectonic complexity
Myanmar’s susceptibility to earthquakes is largely due to its location along the Alpide Belt, a region known for intense seismic activity.
- Andaman Megathrust Zone: Situated to the west, this active subduction zone marks the point where the India Plate is steadily forced beneath the Burma Plate at a rate of 2–3.5 cm per year. Over time, this tectonic process has triggered powerful earthquakes and tsunamis, including the one resulting from the 2004 Sumatra Earthquake.
- Sagaing Fault Zone: Running through central Myanmar, this major transform fault is responsible for many of the country’s most destructive quakes. It produces shallow-focus earthquakes, which can be particularly damaging in densely populated areas.
Recent studies in paleoseismology and tectonic geodesy have identified active segments of the Sagaing, Kyaukkyan, and Kabaw faults, reinforcing the persistent risk of sudden, high-magnitude tremors.
