Myanmar Earthquake 2025

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a powerful recent-tremors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale. This earthquake was the strongest globally in two years. The epicentre was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, with a population of approximately 1.5 million. The quake caused destruction, including the collapse of a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok, Thailand. At least one fatality was reported, along with numerous rescues from the rubble.

What Causes Earthquakes?

Earthquakes occur due to the intense shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. The Earth’s outer crust is divided into these plates, which constantly shift and interact. When two blocks of the Earth suddenly slip past one another, stored elastic strain energy is released as seismic waves, leading to ground shaking. The point where the earthquake begins is known as the hypocentre, while the point directly above it on the surface is called the epicentre.

Why Are Shallow Earthquakes Dangerous?

Shallow earthquakes, like the one in Myanmar, are particularly hazardous. They occur at depths less than 70 km, typically around 10 km in this case. Such earthquakes release more energy when they reach the surface compared to deeper quakes. Although deeper earthquakes can travel farther, they lose energy in the process. The magnitude of an earthquake indicates its potential destructiveness. Each whole number increase in magnitude signifies a tenfold increase in amplitude and a 32-fold increase in energy release.

Earthquake Frequency in Myanmar

Myanmar is prone to earthquakes, primarily due to the Sagaing Fault, which runs through the country. This fault has a history of seismic activity. Between 1930 and 1956, Myanmar experienced six strong earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher. The recent earthquake’s epicentre was also situated along this fault line. Globally, earthquakes of magnitude 7 or above occur roughly a dozen times each year, but only three have been recorded in the last two years.

Impact on Infrastructure

The earthquake’s impact was felt across regions, damaging buildings and infrastructure. In Mandalay, the collapse of structures posed immediate risks to public safety. Emergency services were mobilised for rescue operations. This incident marks the need for improved building codes and disaster preparedness in earthquake-prone regions, especially in urban areas.

Global Context of Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a common natural phenomenon worldwide. However, their frequency and intensity vary by region. Areas located along tectonic plate boundaries are more susceptible to seismic events. About the causes and impacts of earthquakes is crucial for effective disaster management and mitigation strategies.

Questions for UPSC –

1. Critically analyse the geological factors that contribute to the occurrence of earthquakes in tectonic plate boundaries.
2. Estimate the economic and social impacts of earthquakes on urban infrastructure in developing countries like Myanmar.
3. What are the primary methods of earthquake prediction? Discuss their effectiveness and limitations.
4. Point out the differences between magnitude and intensity in the context of earthquakes. How do these measurements influence disaster response?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the geological factors that contribute to the occurrence of earthquakes in tectonic plate boundaries.

1. Tectonic plates are rigid segments of the Earth’s crust that interact at their boundaries.
2. Earthquakes occur when stress builds up due to the movement of these plates, leading to sudden slips along faults.
3. Plate boundaries can be divergent, convergent, or transform, each with unique seismic activity characteristics.
4. The friction at plate boundaries causes energy to accumulate, which is released as seismic waves during an earthquake.
5. Regions near plate boundaries tend to experience more frequent and intense earthquakes compared to stable interior regions.

2. Estimate the economic and social impacts of earthquakes on urban infrastructure in developing countries like Myanmar.

1. Earthquakes can cause damage to buildings, roads, and utilities, leading to high repair costs.
2. Loss of life and injuries can strain healthcare systems and disrupt social structures.
3. Economic activities can be halted, affecting livelihoods and national productivity.
4. Government resources may be diverted from development projects to disaster response and recovery efforts.
5. Long-term impacts include displacement of communities and challenges in rebuilding resilient infrastructure.

3. What are the primary methods of earthquake prediction? Discuss their effectiveness and limitations.

1. Methods include seismic monitoring, historical data analysis, and geological surveys to identify risk areas.
2. Predictive models assess patterns and probabilities but cannot provide precise predictions on timing or location.
3. Recent advancements in technology improve data collection but still face challenges in accuracy and reliability.
4. Public awareness and preparedness are essential, as predictions can lead to false alarms or complacency.
5. No method currently exists to predict earthquakes with certainty, making preparedness crucial for mitigation.

4. Point out the differences between magnitude and intensity in the context of earthquakes. How do these measurements influence disaster response?

1. Magnitude measures the energy released at the earthquake’s source, while intensity assesses the shaking’s effects on people and structures.
2. The Richter scale quantifies magnitude, whereas the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale gauges intensity based on observations.
3. Magnitude is a single value for an earthquake, while intensity can vary across different locations affected by the same quake.
4. About both measurements helps in assessing potential damage and prioritizing emergency response efforts.
5. Effective disaster response relies on accurate magnitude and intensity data to allocate resources and inform the public.