The devastating earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28 had a magnitude of 7.7 and caused significant destruction, resulting in the loss of at least 2,700 lives. The event occurred along a fault known as the Sagaing Fault, with the epicenter located near the city of Mandalay. The shallow depth of the rupture, just 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, led to powerful and catastrophic shaking across the region.
The shaking caused by the earthquake triggered a phenomenon known as liquefaction, where loose, water-saturated sediments behave like quicksand due to increased water pressure between the grains of sand. The combination of seismic activity and thick wet sediments in areas such as river deltas, like the Irrawaddy River basin in Myanmar, creates a dangerous situation for infrastructure and buildings. Cities like Mandalay sit in vulnerable locations surrounded by mountains and fertile plains, increasing the risk of liquefaction.
In recent days, studies have revealed a rupture length of up to 400 kilometers along the fault line, shedding light on the extent of the seismic event. Despite having a seismic network, data from the earthquake is limited due to various factors, including recent political unrest in Myanmar. However, efforts are being made to assess the aftershock risk and provide information to officials and the public to better understand and prepare for potential future seismic activity in the region.
Through remote communication and collaboration with local authorities, aftershock forecasts have been delivered to aid in disaster response efforts. The earthquake has raised concerns about the need for enhanced monitoring and infrastructure improvements in earthquake-prone areas to mitigate risks posed by liquefaction events in the future. Despite the challenges posed by political instability, efforts are ongoing to assess the situation, provide support, and ensure data availability for analysis and planning.
