Powerful Myanmar Earthquake Shakes Southeast Asia, Triggering Panic
A major earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, on Friday afternoon. Tremors rippled across the region, causing significant damage and widespread panic in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, occurring at a shallow depth, was followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock in the same area. This event serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability and the challenges posed by rapid development in earthquake-prone areas. Bangkok Post.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across a wide area. In Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s sprawling capital city, roads buckled and buildings sustained damage. AFP journalists at the National Museum witnessed falling debris and cracking walls as panicked staff rushed outside, some visibly shaken and tearful.
“I heard it and I was sleeping in the house. I ran as far as I could in my pajamas out of the building,” recounted Duangjai, a resident of Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in northern Thailand.
The tremor also sent shockwaves through Thailand, causing damage in Bangkok and leading to the suspension of some metro and light rail services. Even in Chiang Mai, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, residents felt the impact. Sai, a 76-year-old Chiang Mai resident, described the earthquake as the strongest he had ever experienced. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was on an official visit to Phuket at the time, immediately returned to hold an urgent meeting to address the situation, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter). The tremors even reached China’s southwestern Yunnan province, where Beijing’s quake agency recorded a magnitude of 7.9.
Key Developments:
- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar.
- A 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed shortly after.
- Significant damage to buildings and infrastructure was reported in Myanmar and Thailand.
- Public transportation services were disrupted in Bangkok.
- Tremors were felt as far away as Yunnan province in China.
This earthquake is not an isolated incident in Myanmar’s history. The country has a history of seismic activity, particularly along the Sagaing Fault, which runs north-south through the central region. Between 1930 and 1956, six earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater occurred near this fault, according to the USGS. In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Bagan, a historical city and popular tourist destination, causing fatalities and damaging ancient temples.
Globally, this event highlights similar challenges faced by countries in seismically active zones. Rapid urbanization, coupled with aging infrastructure and sometimes inadequate building codes, can exacerbate the impact of earthquakes, as seen in events like the 2010 Haiti earthquake or the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The impact of this earthquake will likely be felt for some time. The immediate priorities are search and rescue operations, damage assessment, and providing aid to those affected. The event also underscores the need for robust building codes, comprehensive disaster preparedness measures, and strengthened infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.
Earthquake Safety:
- Indoors: Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on.
- Outdoors: Stay away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
Aftershocks: Aftershocks are common and can continue for days, weeks, or even months after the main earthquake. Remain vigilant and prepared for further tremors.
