The science behind Myanmar's devastating M-7.7 earthquake

The recent M7.7 earthquake in central Myanmar caused widespread destruction and claimed over a thousand lives. This tragic event raises important questions: Why was this earthquake so destructive? How should people prepare for such disasters? Let us examine the science behind this catastrophe.

Due to the earthquake's shallow depth of only 10 kilometers, the ground shaking was particularly intense. This led to the collapse of some poorly constructed buildings in the area.

Strong tremors were felt in southwest China's Yunnan Province, which borders Myanmar. In Ruili City, located about 300 kilometers from the epicenter, two people were injured.

In terms of energy release, this earthquake was equivalent to about 300 atomic bombs.

Earth's outer shell is made up of massive tectonic plates that constantly shift and collide. Myanmar sits on one of the world's most seismically active zones – the Himalayan-Burmese Arc, where the Indian Plate crashes into the Eurasian Plate at a speed of about five centimeters per year.

This collision creates immense pressure along faults – cracks in Earth's crust. The Sagaing Fault, a major strike-slip fault running through Myanmar, is particularly dangerous.

Several key factors contributed to the severe damage from this earthquake. First, its close proximity to Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, meant that intense shaking directly affected a densely populated urban area. Second, many buildings in central Myanmar had not been designed to withstand such powerful tremors. Third, the quake triggered landslides in the surrounding hills, which buried roads and significantly delayed rescue operations.

How to survive future quakes

There are important lessons for surviving future earthquakes in this region. When the ground begins to shake, people indoors should immediately drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. Contrary to widely held belief, doorways in modern buildings do not provide protection and should be avoided. People outdoors should move quickly to open areas away from buildings and power lines.

After an earthquake, it is crucial to be prepared for utility failures by storing at least three days' worth of water, canned food and flashlights.

Knowing how to shut off gas valves can prevent dangerous fires, and keeping sturdy shoes near beds helps protect against injuries from broken glass.

In rural areas, identifying safe zones that are protected from landslides before disaster strikes can save lives.

Historical context shows that Myanmar experienced similar destruction patterns during the 1930 Bago earthquake, which measured 7.3 in magnitude. Simple but effective steps like reinforcing critical buildings and conducting regular community earthquake drills have proven to significantly reduce casualties in other developing countries located in active seismic zones.

Read more: Expert says it's too early to say the Earth has entered an active seismic phase