Deep in Southeast Asia, Myanmar sits on a geological fault line that makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Located along one of the world’s most active seismic belts, Myanmar’s many fault lines and shifting tectonic plates have long set the stage for major disasters. From the deep rumblings of the Andaman Megathrust to the constant movement along the Sagaing Fault, the forces below the surface have repeatedly changed the country’s landscape. As the region continues to grapple with the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that led to buildings collapsing with death tolls feared to be hundreds, here’s what makes the region so susceptible to seismic activities:
Seismic setting and tectonic complexity
Myanmar’s geological vulnerability stems from its location along the Alpide Belt—a region known for significant tectonic activity.
- Andaman Megathrust Zone: Located in the west, this active subduction zone is where the India Plate is forced beneath the Burma Plate at rates of 2–3.5 cm per year. Historically, large earthquakes along this zone have generated tsunamis, as seen with the moderate damage caused by the tsunami from the 2004 Sumatra Earthquake.
Sagaing Fault Zone : Running through central Myanmar, this large transform fault has been responsible for many of the country’s seismic events, including shallow-focus earthquakes that have struck populated regions.
Recent paleoseismological and tectonic geodesy studies have identified active segments of the Sagaing, Kyaukkyan, and Kabaw faults, highlighting the persistent threat of sudden, high-intensity tremors.
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These tectonic dynamics, combined with Myanmar’s extensive 2,200-kilometre-long coastline, expose the nation to not only seismic shaking but also the threat of tsunamis. Historical data confirm that Myanmar has experienced at least 16 major earthquakes (magnitude 7.0 or higher) in the past 170 years, underscoring a recurring vulnerability.
Tsunamigenic Earthquakes: Past events along the subduction zones, including the notable tsunamigenic earthquakes of 1881 and 1941 near the Andaman-Nicobar Islands, illustrate the destructive potential of seismic activity in the region.
Geological studies have identified raised marine terraces along the northern Rakhine Coast, with some terraces dating from 1400 BC to 1860 AD. These findings suggest a pattern of three great earthquakes over the past 3,400 years, with recurrence intervals estimated between 1,000 to 1,800 years
Historical accounts:
Records from the 18th century, including a debated event in 1762, describe significant ground uplift and coastal changes that hint at possible tsunami impacts.
The Sagaing Fault, which runs close to several ancient royal capitals, has a well-documented history of triggering devastating quakes. For instance, the 1839 Ava earthquake caused deep fissures along riverbanks and claimed hundreds of lives.
The recent powerful earthquake, centred near Mandalay, has had a major impact on Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand. In Myanmar’s second-largest city, widespread destruction was documented via social media, with scenes of collapsed buildings, buckled roads, and crumbled infrastructure. The quake’s impact is particularly alarming given the country’s ongoing civil conflict and the limited capacity to manage large-scale disasters.
In Bangkok, typically regarded as being at moderate seismic risk due to its location on a river delta, the tremors were felt acutely:
- A 33-storey building under construction collapsed, resulting in casualties and leaving many missing.
- Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as residents evacuated high-rise buildings, a stark illustration of the vulnerability even in regions not usually associated with such severe quakes.
Key issues exacerbating Myanmar’s vulnerability include:
- Rapid Urbanisation: Unplanned growth in cities like Yangon and Mandalay means that many buildings are non-engineered and not designed to withstand severe seismic forces.
- Inadequate Preparedness: Despite the implementation of national initiatives such as the Myanmar Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction, significant gaps remain in public awareness, technical infrastructure, and emergency response capabilities.
- Infrastructure Risks: Essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and dams have proven vulnerable, with recent events highlighting the potential for secondary disasters like dam bursts and road collapses.
The current quake has left communities reeling, with widespread destruction altering lives in moments. Buildings have crumbled and roads are fractured, leaving emergency services racing against time to reach those in need.