The earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28 was a powerful magnitude 7.7 event that resulted in at least 144 confirmed deaths and widespread damage in both Myanmar and Thailand. The quake was followed by a magnitude 6.4 aftershock just 10 minutes later, further increasing the destruction. International aid workers are now assessing the damages and preparing supplies as both countries have been declared disaster areas. Concerns have been raised about the damages to public infrastructure, including large-scale dams.
The earthquake’s magnitude, location, and depth contributed to its devastating impact. Being a shallow quake with the epicenter just 10 kilometers below the surface, the intense shaking at ground level posed significant threats to vulnerable buildings and structures in densely populated areas. The earthquake occurred as a result of strike-slip movement along the Sagaing Fault, a large fault that runs through central Myanmar, a region known for its seismic hazards. Significant quakes have occurred in the area over the last century, and the region is marked by the collision between the India Plate and the Sunda Plate.
The Sagaing Fault is part of a larger and complex plate boundary, marking the collision between the India Plate and the Sunda Plate. As the India Plate slides northward, it interacts with the Sunda Plate, generating powerful earthquakes due to the plates’ sideways movement along the fault. The region is susceptible to seismic hazards, and the ongoing collision between the India Plate and the Eurasian Plate in the Himalayan region has caused some of the deadliest earthquakes in history, adding to the seismic risks in Myanmar and surrounding areas.
Liquefaction is another known hazard in the region, where thick layers of loose soil can liquefy during earthquakes, causing the soil to behave like quicksand. Past earthquakes in the region have triggered landslides and liquefaction, contributing to increased death tolls. It is unclear how extensively liquefaction affected the devastation caused by the recent earthquake. The ongoing collision of tectonic plates in the region continues to pose significant risks, and the geological complexities make it crucial to monitor and study the seismic activity in Myanmar and surrounding areas for better disaster preparedness and response.
In conclusion, the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand was a result of strike-slip movement along the Sagaing Fault, highlighting the seismic hazards in the region. The collision between tectonic plates continues to generate powerful earthquakes, posing threats to public infrastructure and populated areas. Understanding the geological complexities and the risks associated with liquefaction can help mitigate the impact of future seismic events and improve disaster response efforts in the region.
