Earthquake in Myanmar: High seismic activity makes this region a sitting duck!

Myanmar was hit by two powerful earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude on March 28, 2025, with the epicenter near Sagaing, around 16 kilometers northwest of the town. The quakes struck at a depth of 10 kilometers, triggering panic in cities across Myanmar and beyond. Strong tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where frightened residents evacuated buildings as structures shook violently.

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The disaster underscores Myanmar’s seismic vulnerability, given its location along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Burma microplate. This fault, stretching 1,200 kilometers, has a history of significant earthquakes, including a 7.7-magnitude event in 1946 and a 6.8-magnitude quake in 2012. Scientists estimate the fault moves 11 to 18 millimeters per year, causing stress to accumulate until it releases as a major quake.

Authorities are still assessing the damage and casualties, with concerns over aftershocks and further structural collapses. The incident highlights the urgent need for stronger earthquake preparedness in Myanmar, where active fault lines pose an ongoing threat. Experts stress that improved monitoring, resilient infrastructure, and disaster response strategies are crucial to mitigating the risks of future seismic events in the region.