The earthquake in Myanmar also reverberated in neighboring Thailand, where significant structural damage was observed. A 30-story building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, and it is feared that over 80 people might be trapped inside. Similarly, in Myanmar, over 25 lives were claimed by the catastrophic earthquake. The epicenter was Myanmar's city of Sagain, witnessing 7.7 magnitude tremors. In under 50 minutes, the earth trembled three times.
The Epicenter: Sagaing
OP Mishra, Director of the National Center for Seismology, explained that the earthquake struck Myanmar's longest Sagaing Fault, approximately 1200 kilometers in length. He mentioned that due to this fault, Myanmar has previously experienced earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of seven, making it a highly seismic-prone area with recurring quakes.
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OP Mishra noted the first and most intense tremor was felt around 11:50 AM, followed shortly by aftershocks at noon, both registering around 7.7 on the Richter scale. A second jolt was felt between 12:30 and 1 PM, with a magnitude around 5, followed by another at 4.9. Subsequent aftershocks are expected to diminish in intensity, but damaged buildings remain at high risk.
Why Such a Powerful Quake?
Seismologists further explained that Bangkok experienced tremors due to the impact of the Sagaing Fault's disruption, as many locals felt the shockwaves. Due to high moisture content in Bangkok's soil, building foundations are weak, leading to substantial structural damage. More earthquakes are expected within the next 24 hours.
The Sagaing Fault is an earthquake-prone area in Myanmar, extending from middle to northern parts. This fault represents a major tectonic boundary between the Indian plate and the Burma microplate, causing earthquakes in the region due to their collision. Cities within the Sagaing Fault's reach are considered at greatest risk. Experts claim that although these plates shift annually, major collisions trigger high-intensity quakes.
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Earthquakes of this magnitude are common in Myanmar. According to AFP, between 1930 and 1956, the Sagaing Fault experienced quakes with magnitudes close to 7, passing through the country's center. Shortly after the initial jolt in Myanmar, a second tremor followed approximately 10 minutes later, initially reaching about 7.7 on the Richter scale.
Thailand is not typically in an earthquake zone, and the tremors felt here are due to Myanmar's quakes. Buildings in Bangkok and other parts of the country are vulnerable because they are not designed for such strong tremors. Consequently, an under-construction building in Bangkok collapsed due to the earthquake. This area consistently faces potential damage threats.
