A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, with its epicenter located in the Sagaing region near Mandalay. The tremors caused significant destruction in Myanmar and also shook neighboring Thailand.
Myanmar Vulnerability to Earthquakes
Myanmar sits on the boundary of two tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. However, large earthquakes have been relatively rare in the Sagaing region.
According to Joanna Faure Walker, an earthquake expert at University College London (UCL), Myanmar is positioned on the boundary of the India Plate and the Eurasia Plate, which move horizontally past each other. This motion results in “strike-slip” earthquakes, which are usually less powerful than subduction zone quakes (such as those in Sumatra) but can still reach magnitudes of 7 to 8.
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Why Was This Earthquake So Destructive?
Sagaing has experienced multiple earthquakes in recent years, including a 6.8 magnitude quake in 2012 that resulted in at least 26 deaths. However, experts believe Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake is one of the largest to hit Myanmar’s mainland in over 75 years.
Key Factors Contributing to the Destruction:
- Shallow Depth – The epicenter was at a depth of just 10 km (6.2 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
- Shallow earthquakes are more destructive as their shockwaves reach the surface with full force.
- Unlike deeper quakes, where seismic energy dissipates, this one directly impacted buildings.
- Seismic Wave Radiation – According to Roger Musson, an honorary research fellow at the British Geological Survey, the earthquake’s impact was widespread.
- The entire fault line radiated seismic waves, rather than just the epicenter, which increased the affected area.
Myanmar Readiness for Earthquakes
The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program estimates that the death toll could range between 10,000 to 100,000 people, with economic losses reaching up to 70% of Myanmar’s GDP.
Lack of Infrastructure Preparedness
- Sagaing last major earthquake occurred in 1956, meaning many buildings were not designed to withstand high seismic forces.
- Unlike western Myanmar, which experiences more frequent seismic activity, central Myanmar’s infrastructure was not built for such powerful earthquakes.
With rescue and recovery efforts underway, the full scale of damage and human casualties will become clearer in the coming days.
