Powerful Earthquakes Strike Myanmar, Highlighting Region's Seismic Vulnerability

The earthquake’s depth was recorded at 10 kilometres, and tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand.


Two massive earthquakes shook Myanmar on March 28, 2025, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.4, causing widespread destruction. The quakes struck around 12:50 PM local time, with the epicenter located near Sagaing, about 16 km northwest of the town. The tremors were powerful enough to be felt in Bangkok, Thailand, where panic spread as buildings swayed and pools overflowed.

Extent of the Damage

One of Myanmar’s most iconic structures, the Ava Bridge in Mandalay, collapsed into the Irrawaddy River, while several buildings crumbled under the seismic force. In Bangkok, an under-construction high-rise also collapsed, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Why is Myanmar Prone to Earthquakes?

Myanmar’s high vulnerability to earthquakes is largely due to its location along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary where the Indian Plate and the Burma microplate collide. Spanning approximately 1,200 km, this fault has a history of powerful seismic events.

According to Dr. OP Mishra, Director of India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the Sagaing Fault has produced several major quakes in the past, including a 7.7 magnitude quake in 1946 and a 6.8 magnitude quake in 2012. Studies show that this fault is continuously shifting at a rate of 11 to 18 mm per year, causing stress to build up over time. When this stress is suddenly released, it results in powerful earthquakes.

Why Did Bangkok Suffer Damage?

The damage in Bangkok occurred because the Sagaing Fault’s rupture extended towards the city. Bangkok is built on an alluvial belt, where the ground is prone to liquefaction — a phenomenon where the soil loses strength during shaking, making it unable to support buildings. This is why many structures in Bangkok suffered significant damage.

Aftershocks and Ongoing Risks

Aftershocks were felt within hours of the main quake, and experts warn that more could follow. Dr. Mishra mentioned that it could take 24 hours to determine the total number of aftershocks. With the fault line continuously shifting, more seismic activity could occur in the coming days.

The Sagaing Fault's Violent History

The Sagaing Fault is known for its seismic volatility. In addition to the 1946 and 2012 quakes, it has caused numerous other tremors over the decades. Scientists estimate that because of the high slip rate, a significant amount of energy is constantly being stored, increasing the likelihood of future earthquakes.

Preparedness is Key

Myanmar’s active fault lines and history of deadly earthquakes emphasize the need for robust disaster preparedness. Authorities are now assessing the full scale of the damage and working on rescue operations to safeguard affected communities.

With the continuous buildup of stress along the Sagaing Fault, seismic experts stress the importance of implementing strong building codes and emergency response strategies to minimize the impact of future earthquakes.

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