Unpacking the Devastation: Causes Behind Myanmar and Thailand Earthquakes

Swift Summary

• Event: A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, with an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude.
• epicentre: Near Mandalay, Myanmar; impact felt across Southeast Asia including Bangkok, Thailand.
• Damage and Fatalities:

– Over 140 deaths reported in Myanmar.
– A high-rise collapse in Bangkok killed at least eight labourers.

• Emergency Response: States of emergency declared in Myanmar and Thailand; rescue operations ongoing to recover survivors from rubble.
• Cause:

– Origin traced to the Sagaing Fault along a tectonic boundary between Burma and Sunda plates sliding horizontally (strike-slip fault).
– earthquake depth estimated at approximately 10 km, amplifying its widespread damage potential due to shallow origin.

• Impact Factors:

– Vulnerable concrete structures in densely populated areas contributed considerably to destruction and casualties.
– Soil amplification near Chao Phraya River basin intensified shaking effects in Bangkok.Image:
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