A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early Friday, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, approximately 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) away. The quake, which originated near Mandalay, caused widespread devastation in two major cities, including the capital, Naypyidaw, where rescue crews worked tirelessly to extract victims from collapsed buildings.
Authorities in Bangkok confirmed multiple casualties at three construction sites, including a high-rise building that completely collapsed. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), nearly 800,000 people in Myanmar may have experienced the earthquake’s most violent shaking, with experts estimating that the death toll could exceed 1,000 and possibly rise significantly.
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
Earthquakes happen when tectonic plates, the massive sections of the Earth’s crust, shift along fault lines. According to Columbia University geophysicist Michael Steckler, the Earth’s crust is “mostly stable, but along the edges, they are moving.” When plates get stuck, pressure builds up over decades or even centuries until they suddenly slip, releasing energy and causing an earthquake.
The Myanmar earthquake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major fault line that runs through the country, making it highly susceptible to seismic activity.
Can Scientists Predict Earthquakes?
Experts can identify earthquake-prone regions but cannot predict exactly when an earthquake will strike. “We can’t predict when they’ll occur,” said USGS seismologist Will Yeck. However, after a major earthquake, scientists can anticipate aftershocks, which occur due to stress changes in the Earth’s crust following the main tremor.
“Given the magnitude of the quake in Myanmar, you will probably see aftershocks for the next several months,” Steckler noted.
What to Do During an Earthquake?
In earthquake-prone regions like California and Japan, building codes are designed to withstand tremors. However, not all countries enforce such strict regulations, making earthquakes particularly dangerous.
If you are indoors during an earthquake:
- Drop to the ground and cover your head.
- Seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk and hold on.
- Stay away from glass windows, and do not use elevators.
If you are outdoors:
- Move to an open area, away from buildings, trees, or structures that may collapse.
- Be aware of secondary hazards such as landslides, fires, or tsunamis.
As Myanmar struggles to recover from this devastating earthquake, rescue teams continue working to assist survivors and assess damage in affected regions. The international community remains on high alert, providing aid and expertise to help mitigate further risks.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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