Catastrophic Quake Hits Myanmar: A Wake-Up Call for Seismic Preparedness

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar's Sagaing region, causing extensive damage and impacting neighboring Thailand. Myanmar's positioning on tectonic plates makes it highly susceptible to earthquakes, despite infrequent powerful occurrences in Sagaing. Experts attribute the damage to the quake's shallow depth and inadequate seismic preparedness.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Sagaing region near Myanmar's city of Mandalay, causing widespread destruction and shaking neighboring Thailand on Friday. Despite its active tectonic positioning, large quakes have been rare in Sagaing, making this event particularly impactful.

Experts highlight that Myanmar lies on the boundary between the India and Eurasia Plates, making it seismically vulnerable. Joanna Faure Walker from University College London explains that while 'strike slip' quakes are typically less intense than 'subduction zone' events, they can still reach considerable magnitudes. This quake, of unusual severity, resulted from a shallow epicenter, significantly amplifying its destructive power.

The quake's destruction is compounded by Myanmar's inadequate seismic infrastructure, as the Sagaing region, home to densely populated Mandalay, rarely experiences such powerful tremors. Bill McGuire and Roger Musson, leading earthquake experts, emphasized the critical role of preparedness and modern infrastructure to mitigate the quake's far-reaching impacts on both human life and economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)