New Delhi: On Friday afternoon, an earthquake struck near Myanmar and Thailand, causing significant damage. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) in India reported that the quake’s shaking frequency matched the natural vibrations of buildings, increasing their vulnerability.
Soil liquefaction, a phenomenon where soil loses its strength and behaves like liquid, also played a key role in the destruction. O P Mishra, head of the NCS, noted that Bangkok, which is over a thousand kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter in Mandalay, Myanmar, felt considerable damage due to the quake’s direction.
The main earthquake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale and struck Mandalay around 11:50 am IST, leading to seven aftershocks with magnitudes between 3.5 and 7. The effects were felt as far as northeast India.
The quake originated from the Sagaing Fault, located about 1,200 km east of the Indo-Burma subduction zone. According to reports, the energy from the earthquake spread toward Bangkok, resulting in severe structural damage. Buildings in the region were particularly impacted because the earthquake’s frequency matched their natural vibration, leading to an increased risk of collapse.
A strong aftershock, measuring 7.0, hit just 12 minutes later, about 90 km southwest of the first quake’s epicenter. Historical records show this area has seen significant seismic activity before, including a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in 1912 and another 7.2 earthquake in 1956, highlighting a pattern of risk.
As a result of this disaster, reports indicate that at least three people lost their lives in Bangkok, and dozens were trapped when a high-rise under construction collapsed. In response, Myanmar’s military government declared a state of emergency in six regions, impacting areas such as Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.
Experts believe that increased urbanization and building practices may have worsened the impact of this quake. Structures that do not consider seismic risks are at greater danger in earthquake-prone areas. Following this event, there may be renewed calls for stronger building regulations in vulnerable regions.
Social media erupted with reactions after the quake, with users sharing images and videos of the devastation. Hashtags regarding earthquake safety and disaster preparedness trended as people discussed what could have been done to prevent such harm.
This recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic risks in the region and the need for preparedness. For more details on earthquake preparedness, you can check resources from the US Geological Survey.
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Source linkSOIL LIQUEFACTION, INDIAN AGENCY NCS, NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SEISMOLOGY, MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE, MYANMAR QUAKE: SOIL LIQUEFACTION CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE, SAYS INDIAN AGENCY NCS
