Powerful Earthquakes Strike Myanmar and Thailand, Causing Casualties and Widespread Panic

A series of powerful earthquakes struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28, 2025, causing significant damage and prompting emergency responses in both countries. The quakes, including a magnitude 7.7 tremor, resulted in at least three deaths in Bangkok, Thailand, and left dozens trapped after a building collapse.

Seismic Activity and Immediate Impact

The initial earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, hit 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred around 12:50 PM (06:20 GMT). A 6.4 magnitude aftershock followed shortly after, exacerbating the situation. Myanmar's ruling military declared a state of emergency in six regions and states, promising swift inquiries, rescue operations, and humanitarian aid.

In Bangkok, Thailand, a 30-story building under construction collapsed due to the tremors. At least three people were killed, and initial reports indicated that 81 people were trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts are underway, with emergency service vehicles blocking roads around the construction site. The tremors were felt throughout the city, causing widespread panic and prompting many to evacuate buildings. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading for the afternoon session due to the earthquake. Public transportation systems were temporarily shut down for safety inspections, leading to gridlock on the city's roads.

Understanding Earthquakes

Earthquakes are caused by a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere, creating seismic waves. Most earthquakes occur along geological faults, which are narrow zones where rock masses move relative to one another. These movements release stored-up elastic strain energy. The point of rupture underground is called the hypocenter, while the point on the surface directly above it is the epicenter. The frequency, type, and size of earthquakes in an area define its seismic activity.

The Earth's crust is made of solid rock that sits on top of the mantle. The mantle flows and stretches, while the crust cracks, releasing energy and causing the ground to shake. Tectonic plates, pieces of the Earth's crust, fit together like puzzle pieces. These plates can slide alongside each other, pull apart, or push together, all of which can cause earthquakes. The Pacific "Ring of Fire," where many tectonic plates meet, is one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Measures

Given the unpredictable nature of earthquakes, preparedness is crucial. Experts recommend several steps to minimize risk and ensure safety:

Before an Earthquake:

• Secure your space: Identify hazards such as tall, heavy furniture that could topple and secure them to walls. Move heavy items from high shelves to lower ones.
• Make a plan: Create a family emergency communication plan, including an out-of-state contact person.
• Organize disaster supplies: Prepare a supply kit with enough food, water, medicine, a flashlight, and a fire extinguisher for several days. A whistle can be useful for signaling for help if trapped.
• Know how to shut off utilities: Learn how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in case of damage.

During an Earthquake:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If indoors, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, move to an interior wall away from windows. Hold on to the shelter or your head and neck until the shaking stops.
• Stay Away from Hazards: Avoid windows, doors, and outside walls.
• If Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until the shaking stops.
• If in a Vehicle: Pull over to a safe location away from buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Set the parking brake and stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

After an Earthquake:

• Check for Injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries and administer first aid as needed.
• Assess Damage: Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If you smell gas, open windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities.
• Expect Aftershocks: Be prepared for aftershocks and Drop, Cover, and Hold On each time you feel one.
• Stay Informed: Turn on a battery-powered radio for updates and information.
• Avoid Damaged Areas: Stay out of damaged buildings and away from beaches, as tsunamis can occur after earthquakes.

Earthquake Early Warning Systems

Earthquake early warning systems (EEW) can provide crucial seconds of warning before strong shaking arrives. These systems, such as ShakeAlert, detect ground motion as soon as an earthquake begins and send alerts to people and automated systems. While EEW systems do not predict earthquakes, they can detect ground motion and quickly estimate the earthquake's location, magnitude, and intensity. This allows for alerts to be sent almost instantaneously, giving people time to take protective actions such as Drop, Cover, and Hold On, or triggering automated responses like slowing trains or shutting off gas lines.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar, with several strong quakes occurring near the Sagaing Fault in the past. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016 caused significant damage to the ancient city of Bagan. The recent earthquakes highlight the ongoing seismic risk in the region and the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure. The economic impact of the earthquake is still being assessed, but the suspension of trading activities on the Stock Exchange of Thailand indicates the potential for significant disruption.

Conclusion

The recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of earthquake preparedness. While the immediate focus is on rescue and recovery efforts, these events underscore the need for continued investment in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and public education to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes. By understanding the causes and effects of earthquakes and taking proactive safety measures, communities can better protect themselves and minimize the devastating consequences of these natural disasters.