INTERNATIONAL: Myanmar’s Seismic Peril: Understanding the Devastating Earthquake
A Region Prone to Catastrophe
Nestled in one of the world’s most active seismic belts, Myanmar sits on a geological fault line that makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
The country’s landscape has been repeatedly reshaped by the shifting tectonic plates beneath its surface.
The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake has once again underscored the persistent seismic threat, leaving buildings in ruins and a rising death toll feared to be in the hundreds.
Tectonic Complexity: The Source of Constant Shaking
Myanmar’s susceptibility to earthquakes stems from its location within the Alpide Belt, a vast tectonic zone extending from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia. Two major fault systems contribute to the country’s seismic instability:
- Andaman Megathrust Zone: This subduction zone, located to the west, is where the India Plate is forced beneath the Burma Plate at a rate of 2–3.5 cm per year. Earthquakes here have historically generated tsunamis, as seen with the 2004 Sumatra Earthquake.
- Sagaing Fault Zone: Running through central Myanmar, this transform fault has been the source of several high-magnitude tremors, affecting densely populated regions.
Recent geological studies have further identified active fault segments, including the Kyaukkyan and Kabaw faults, reinforcing concerns of sudden and intense earthquakes.
Myanmar’s Recurring Earthquake History
Myanmar’s seismic history highlights a pattern of major earthquakes occurring every few centuries. Over the past 170 years, at least 16 major earthquakes (magnitude 7.0 or higher) have struck the country, demonstrating its recurring vulnerability.
Tsunamigenic Earthquakes:
- Events such as the 1881 and 1941 Andaman-Nicobar earthquakes caused destructive tsunamis, threatening Myanmar’s extensive 2,200-kilometre coastline.
- Raised marine terraces along the Rakhine Coast suggest evidence of three major earthquakes over 3,400 years, with recurrence intervals estimated between 1,000 and 1,800 years.
Historical records, including a debated 1762 earthquake, describe significant ground uplift and possible tsunami impacts. The 1839 Ava earthquake, triggered by the Sagaing Fault, caused deep fissures along riverbanks and resulted in heavy casualties.
**The Impact of the Recent Earthquake
The recent earthquake, centred near Mandalay, has caused widespread devastation across Myanmar and Thailand.
- In Mandalay, social media footage has documented collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and crumbling infrastructure.
- In Bangkok, the quake’s tremors were strongly felt despite the city’s moderate seismic risk. A 33-storey building under construction collapsed, causing casualties and leaving several people missing.
- Panic spread as residents evacuated high-rises, highlighting the vulnerability of regions not typically associated with severe earthquakes.
Factors Worsening Myanmar’s Seismic Risks
Myanmar faces multiple challenges that exacerbate its earthquake vulnerability:
- Rapid Urbanisation: Unplanned expansion in cities like Yangon and Mandalay has led to a surge in non-engineered buildings unable to withstand strong tremors.
- Lack of Preparedness: Despite national disaster risk reduction initiatives, gaps remain in public awareness, technical infrastructure, and emergency response.
- Infrastructure Weaknesses: Critical structures such as bridges, roads, and dams remain highly susceptible to seismic damage, increasing the risk of secondary disasters.
Racing Against Time: The Humanitarian Crisis
Rescue teams are now scrambling to provide aid to the affected areas. The destruction has left thousands without shelter, while emergency services are facing immense challenges in reaching those trapped under debris. Myanmar, already grappling with civil conflict and economic instability, now confronts the additional burden of managing a large-scale disaster.
As the region continues to assess the damage, experts warn that the recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for improved seismic preparedness in one of the world’s most geologically volatile zones.