MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE: GEOGRAPHY
NEWS: Why Myanmar is frequently rocked by earthquakes
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The Myanmar earthquake, the strongest in two years, caused widespread destruction, with potential fatalities ranging from 10,000 to 100,000. India responded with relief materials, rescue teams, and humanitarian aid under Operation Brahma, reaffirming its commitment to regional disaster assistance.
About the Myanmar Earthquake
• The Myanmar earthquake is considered the strongest globally in the past two years, followed by multiple aftershocks.
• Parts of Northeast India also experienced tremors, but no significant casualties or damage were reported in the region.
• The earthquake’s epicenter was located 17.2 km from Mandalay, at a shallow depth of 10 km, which intensified the ground shaking and contributed to widespread destruction.
• Shallow earthquakes (depth of 10 km or less) tend to cause greater surface damage compared to deeper ones due to the increased intensity of ground shaking.
Impact of the Earthquake
• Fatalities and Economic Losses:
• The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program estimated the potential fatalities from the earthquake to be between 10,000 and 100,000.
• The economic losses due to the earthquake could reach up to 70% of Myanmar’s GDP, highlighting the severe impact on the country's economy.
• Region’s Vulnerability:
• The central region of Myanmar, where the earthquake struck, is not typically prone to large earthquakes, which exacerbated the damage and impact of the event.
Frequency of Earthquakes in Myanmar
• Myanmar has experienced at least six earthquakes with magnitudes over 7.0 since 1900, indicating a recurring seismic activity in the region.
• Notable Earthquakes in History:
1990 (Magnitude 7.0): 32 buildings collapsed due to the earthquake.
1912 (Magnitude 7.9): Near the recent earthquake’s epicenter.
2016 (Magnitude 6.9): Affected the same region.
• Over the last 100 years, Myanmar has recorded 14 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or above, signifying the region’s seismic vulnerability.
• 1839 Earthquake (Magnitude 8.3): One of the most destructive earthquakes in Myanmar's history, causing 300-400 deaths.
Earthquakes due to Tectonic Activity
• Tectonic Plate Movements:
• The Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move and interact over billions of years.
• Earthquakes occur when these plates slip past each other, releasing stored seismic energy in the form of shock waves.
Factors Responsible for Frequent Earthquakes in Myanmar
• Tectonic Plate Boundaries:
• Myanmar is located between the India and Eurasia tectonic plates, which makes it particularly prone to seismic activity.
• The boundary between these two plates is called the Sagaing Fault, which is a major source of earthquakes in the region.
• The Sagaing Fault is a major north-south fault line, marking the tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate (which is moving northward) and the Eurasian Plate.
• Earthquake Mechanics:
• The recent earthquake was caused by strike-slip faulting, where the two tectonic plates move sideways against each other.
• Earthquakes in the region affect not only the immediate epicenter but also areas far beyond, as seismic waves spread along the fault line.
India’s Response to the Myanmar Earthquake
• Operation Brahma:
• In response to the earthquake, India launched Operation Brahma, under which it delivered 15 tonnes of relief materials to Myanmar.
• The relief materials were transported using a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
• Rescue Support:
• India also deployed 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to assist in rescue and relief operations in the affected areas of Myanmar.
• Humanitarian Assistance:
• India, alongside China and Russia, provided immediate aid to Myanmar, reaffirming its commitment to regional disaster response and humanitarian support.
This coordinated response highlights India’s role in providing regional disaster relief and its ongoing support for neighboring nations affected by natural calamities.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/why-myanmar-is-frequently-rocked-by-earthquakes-9912160/