A powerful earthquake that shook parts of Myanmar and Thailand on Friday has raised questions about why the damage was so widespread—even in distant cities like Bangkok, located over 1,000 km from the epicentre.
Now, India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS) has offered crucial insights into the science behind the devastation.
What Exactly Happened?
-
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, at around 11:50 am IST.
-
It was followed by at least seven aftershocks, ranging from 3.5 to 7.0 in magnitude.
-
One strong aftershock measuring 7.0 hit just 12 minutes later, further intensifying the panic and damage.
-
The tremors were so powerful that Northeast India also felt the shaking.
🔍 Why Was the Damage So Severe?
According to O.P. Mishra, head of the NCS, there were three key reasons:
-
Soil Liquefaction:
This happens when the ground shakes so violently that solid soil turns into a thick, unstable liquid. It weakens the foundation of buildings and infrastructure, leading to severe collapses—especially in urban areas like Bangkok. -
Matching Vibration Frequencies:
The shaking frequency of the earthquake matched the natural vibration frequency of buildings in the region. This resonance effect caused structures to sway more violently than usual, making them more likely to collapse. -
Direction of Rupture Energy:
The energy from the quake travelled in the direction of Bangkok, which made the Thai capital more vulnerable, despite being far from the epicentre.
The Geological Cause
The quake was triggered along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line located 1,200 km east of the Indo-Burma tectonic zone. This fault has been responsible for several major earthquakes in the past, including:
-
1912 – Magnitude 7.5
-
1956 – Magnitude 7.2
Myanmar Declares Emergency
Following the disaster, Myanmar’s military-led government declared a state of emergency in six regions, including the capital Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.
Reports say at least three people died in Bangkok, and dozens were trapped after a high-rise building under construction collapsed due to the tremors.
What Can We Learn?
This earthquake is a grim reminder that distance from the epicentre doesn’t guarantee safety, especially if local soil conditions and building structures are vulnerable.
Experts at NCS stress the need for stronger building codes, seismic-resistant infrastructure, and emergency planning—not just in earthquake-prone areas, but even in regions that may seem relatively safe.
