Powerful Earthquake Rocks Myanmar and Thailand, Exposing Building Vulnerabilities

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves through the region and causing significant damage in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. The quake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, has raised concerns about building resilience and the need for stricter enforcement of earthquake-resistant designs, particularly in areas not accustomed to such seismic activity.

The Earthquake and Its Immediate Impact

The earthquake's epicenter was located 15 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar. Initial reports indicate damage to buildings and infrastructure in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, with buckled roads and a hospital declaring a "major casualty event." Tragically, early reports confirm at least three deaths in both Myanmar and Thailand, with scores more missing and injured. Rescue efforts are underway, but concerns are mounting about the stability of damaged buildings and the potential collapse of dams in the impact zone.

In Thailand, the earthquake was strongly felt in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, causing widespread panic as buildings swayed for nearly a minute. A 32-story residential building under construction in Bangkok partially collapsed, highlighting the urgent need for improved building codes and their enforcement. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as residents fled their homes and workplaces, with pictures falling from walls and screams echoing through the streets. Water from a rooftop pool cascaded down the side of a skyscraper in Bangkok, illustrating the intensity of the tremors.

Building Design and Seismic Resilience

The collapse of the building under construction in Bangkok has ignited a debate about building design and seismic resilience in Southeast Asia. Experts emphasize that many older structures in the region were not built with adequate seismic considerations. While earthquakes are relatively uncommon in Thailand, this event underscores the vulnerability of buildings not engineered to withstand powerful tremors.

Mehrdad Sasani, a civil and environmental engineering professor at Northeastern University, notes that concrete reinforced with steel offers better resilience compared to traditional construction materials like sand and gravel. Steel's flexibility allows it to bend considerably before breaking, strengthening larger buildings against earthquakes. In smaller buildings, bamboo can also be used for this purpose.

Innovative Approaches to Earthquake-Resistant Construction

The World Economic Forum has recommended the use of "base isolation" systems, which separate a building from its foundations using springs or runners. This technology, employed in many buildings in Japan and Chile, minimizes the stress imposed on the structure during an earthquake. However, the high costs associated with such constructions have prompted other countries to seek simpler and more cost-effective strategies.

Nepal, a country frequently affected by earthquakes, utilizes affordable materials like straw bales, used tires, and plastic bottles in construction. In Africa, the South African Housing & Infrastructure Fund is implementing concrete 3D-printed houses that are both earthquake-resilient and cost-effective. 3D-printed concrete allows for greater customization, enabling the design of structures that can better withstand the erratic forces of earthquakes.

The Importance of Retrofitting and Community Preparedness

Seismic design principles were largely developed in the second half of the 20th century, meaning many countries are still in the process of catching up. Retrofitting old buildings to provide better protection during earthquakes is crucial. This does not necessarily require tearing down and rebuilding structures from the ground up.

Beyond structural improvements, community preparedness plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of earthquakes. Volunteers in affected areas have established temporary shelters, and social media groups have coordinated assistance efforts. This collective response demonstrates the resilience of communities in the face of geological upheaval.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Infrastructure and Awareness

The Myanmar-Thailand earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. As aftershocks continue, residents remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for ongoing preparation and community cooperation. Stricter implementation of earthquake-resistant designs is essential, with experts advocating for buildings that can sway and flex rather than resist and break.

The event also highlights the importance of advanced seismic monitoring systems for improved detection capabilities. While predicting earthquakes remains a challenge, early warning systems can provide valuable time for evacuation and preparation.

In the wake of this devastating earthquake, the focus must shift towards strengthening infrastructure, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of preparedness to minimize the impact of future seismic events. The collaborative efforts of governments, engineers, and communities are crucial in building a more resilient future for Southeast Asia.