A deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, March 28 resulting in massive fatalities with the total count expected to be increased even further. Hundreds of buildings across the country collapsed trapping thousands of residents inside. The Myanmar government officials announced the death of 144 people with more than 700 injured. The earthquake was also felt in Thailand where a massive death toll is reported as well.
Myanmar earthquake
Two deadly earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.4 and 7.7 struck Myanmar and Thailand on Monday. According to the United States Geological Survey, the tremors were initially felt in the evening at around 1 pm. The incident of deaths was first reported near Sagaing City.
The Myanmar government has announced a state of emergency in the affected states. Furthermore, it attempted to reassure its citizens by promising that rescue operations were underway and also promising humanitarian aid to the affected individuals.
Myanmar, which is already an earthquake-vulnerable country and has been the target of frequent earthquakes, has weak infrastructure. Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw was terribly affected with most buildings collapsed there. The residents of the country are becoming increasingly worried as more and more debris fills the streets. An even bigger concern for them is the dams that may be affected in the future.
Bangkok earthquake
Myanmar’s neighboring country, Thailand suffered from the same earthquake seeing massive death casualties. Its Deputy Prime Minister spoke on the topic revealing a piece of heartbreaking news. He announced that a high-rise building that was under construction collapsed to the ground trapping the workers and nearby people. 3 people were pronounced dead with more than 80 still trapped in the rubble. Rescue operations are still underway. Thailand’s Prime Minister declared a state of emergency in the country.
Similar tremors were also felt in some provinces of China. However, fortunately, no casualty was reported. Neighboring countries, India and Bangladesh are also said to have felt tremors.
Myanmar’s history with earthquakes
This is not the first time a greater than 7.0 magnitude earthquake has hit the country. Myanmar is already familiar with tragedies of the same or greater magnitude. However, the country does not seem to have shown better infrastructural resources to deal with this. What worsens the situation even more is that Myanmar is already dealing with a civil war.
In the mid-1900s, 6 earthquakes of really strong magnitudes hit the country in different provinces.
Why is Myanmar so prone to earthquakes?
The country’s unfortunate position on the geological fault makes it a high risk of earthquake attacks. It is situated alongside the Alpide Belt, a place highly prone to earthquakes. A combination of a great deal of tectonic activity in the area and Myanmar’s substantially large coastline makes it extremely vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis.
In the past 150 years, the country has dealt with more than 15 earthquakes: all of which had a magnitude of 7 or more.
Myanmar’s inability to be equipped to deal with such disasters due to the ongoing civil war makes the country more prone to damage. Undeveloped infrastructure like roads and dams collapse when struck by even lower magnitude earthquakes.
Myanmar’s economic and infrastructural growth is declining rapidly. Its vulnerability to earthquakes and tsunamis aggravates the situation. Currently, it is still dealing with the aftermath of the 7.7 magnitude quake resulting in the death of 144 people. Rescue operations to find more people trapped under debris are still ongoing.
