A Shaking Start
On Friday, March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Myanmar’s Sagging region, near Mandalay. The tremors were so strong that they rattled neighboring Thailand, leaving behind a trail of destruction. But what caused this disaster, and why was it so damaging? Let’s break it down.
The Hidden Forces Beneath the Earth
Myanmar sits on a dangerous boundary—where two massive tectonic plates, the India Plate and the Eurasia Plate, meet. These plates grind against each other, moving at different speeds. While this usually causes less powerful “strike-slip” quakes, this time, the energy released was enormous.
The Sagging Fault, running through major cities like Mandalay and Yangon, was the culprit. Unlike deeper earthquakes, this one struck at just 10 km below the surface, making the shaking far more intense.
Also Read: Strong 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Myanmar, Shakes Bangkok
Why Was the Damage So Severe?
- Shallow Depth: The quake’s shallow epicenter meant the shockwaves hit with full force, crumbling buildings not designed for such stress.
- Unprepared Infrastructure: Large quakes are rare in this region, so buildings weren’t built to withstand such power. The last major quake here was in 1956—nearly 70 years ago.
- Population Density: The quake struck near Mandalay, a densely populated area, increasing the risk of casualties.
Experts warn that the death toll could be devastating, with economic losses possibly reaching 70% of Myanmar’s GDP.
Could This Happen Again?
Myanmar is no stranger to quakes, but this was the biggest in 75 years. With the Sagging Fault still active, future tremors are possible. The key lesson? Better-prepared infrastructure could save lives next time.
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