The Hindu: Published on 3rd April 2025:
Why in News?
On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck central Myanmar, with its epicenter near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. The quake resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, drawing international attention.
How Did the Myanmar Earthquake Occur?
The earthquake originated along the Sagaing Fault, a major right-lateral strike-slip fault that serves as a tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Sunda Plate. This fault accommodates significant tectonic movement, making it susceptible to large seismic events.
History of Earthquakes Along the Sagaing Fault
The Sagaing Fault has a history of producing significant earthquakes. Notably, six earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or larger have occurred within approximately 150 kilometers of the recent event. This pattern underscores the fault's seismic activity and the region's vulnerability to such natural disasters.
Impact on Bangkok-
Despite being approximately 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter, Bangkok experienced notable effects from the earthquake. The shaking led to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction and caused water to overflow from rooftop pools due to seismic seiches. These incidents highlight how significant seismic events can impact distant urban centers, especially those with tall structures susceptible to long-period seismic waves.
Why Eastern Parts of India Avoided Damage-
The eastern regions of India reported minimal to no damage from the earthquake. This can be attributed to the orientation of the Sagaing Fault, which directs seismic energy predominantly along a north-south axis. Consequently, the energy dispersion was less impactful toward the west, sparing eastern India from significant effects.
Active Tectonics in Southeast Asia-
Southeast Asia's tectonic activity is primarily due to the complex interactions among the Indian, Eurasian, Pacific, and Australian Plates. This convergence results in a network of active faults, subduction zones, and collision boundaries, making the region highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Conclusion-
The March 28, 2025, earthquake in Myanmar underscores the seismic risks associated with the Sagaing Fault and the broader Southeast Asian region. The event's extensive impact, reaching as far as Bangkok, emphasizes the need for robust earthquake preparedness and resilient infrastructure across the region. Understanding the area's tectonic dynamics is crucial for mitigating future risks and enhancing disaster response strategies.
