Massive 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Myanmar, Strong 6.4 Aftershock Follows
- International Affairs South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 5 minutes read
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday at 11:50 AM IST, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake’s epicentre was located approximately 16 kilometres north-northwest of the town of Sagaing. This seismic event was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.4 in magnitude, further intensifying concerns about the potential damage and humanitarian impact in the region, with more than 50 people missing. The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar, reaching neighbouring Thailand, including its capital Bangkok. Reports indicate that hundreds of residents rushed onto the streets in fear, while water splashed out of swimming pools, and high-rise buildings swayed due to the seismic waves. Reuters reported that people in various parts of Bangkok experienced tremors strong enough to cause alarm.
Myanmar is currently under military junta rule, which has made it difficult to obtain accurate and real-time information regarding the extent of damage and casualties. The junta, which seized power in 2021, has imposed strict control over communication channels, making independent reporting and relief efforts challenging. Given the lack of transparent governance, humanitarian agencies and international observers face hurdles in assessing the full scale of destruction and providing timely aid. Myanmar lies within a seismically active region, positioned near the boundary of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country has experienced several devastating earthquakes in the past, with some causing extensive damage and loss of life. This latest quake serves as another reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region and the urgent need for improved earthquake preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
While Myanmar experienced the most immediate impact, the tremors extended far beyond its borders, reaching Thailand, particularly Bangkok and other surrounding provinces. The event triggered widespread panic, raising alarms over potential infrastructure damage and economic repercussions. This article provides an in-depth analysis of how Thailand was affected by the seismic event. The earthquake’s reach was felt hundreds of kilometres away in Thailand, with reports emerging from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and other northern provinces. Due to the shallow depth of 10 km, the seismic waves travelled efficiently across the region, causing noticeable shaking in high-rise buildings and disrupting daily life. Residents in high-rise buildings reported intense swaying for several seconds, forcing many to evacuate onto the streets in fear of aftershocks. Witnesses described water splashing out of swimming pools, a common sign of seismic activity. Older buildings and structures, particularly those not built to withstand seismic activity, showed minor cracks and damage. Although Thailand did not experience direct devastation from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, the tremors were a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The event prompted concerns over infrastructure resilience, public safety, and long-term preparedness.
Given the earthquake’s magnitude and shallow depth, the damage is expected to be significant, particularly in areas with dense populations and poorly constructed buildings. Some key concerns include: Buildings, bridges, and roads may have sustained major damage, making transportation and communication difficult. With limited reliable information, it remains unclear how many people have been affected, but authorities fear a substantial number of casualties. Power outages, water supply disruptions, and communication blackouts are likely in the affected areas. Myanmar’s hilly terrain increases the possibility of landslides following such a powerful earthquake, potentially exacerbating the disaster’s impact.
Given the situation, international humanitarian organizations may need to step in to provide emergency relief. However, Myanmar’s current political instability and military rule present challenges to delivering aid effectively. Neighboring countries, including Thailand, India, and China, may play a crucial role in providing immediate assistance, given their geographical proximity.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake and subsequent 6.4 aftershock in Myanmar serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. While the full extent of the damage remains unknown due to the political situation in the country, the tremors have already caused panic and destruction in Myanmar and beyond. As rescue and relief efforts unfold, the world watches closely to see how Myanmar, along with international partners, responds to this crisis.
