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A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing devastation across the region and spreading fear in neighbouring Thailand. The earthquake, which hit at 12:50 p.m., was felt widely, toppling buildings and leading to significant loss of life.

Destruction in Myanmar and Thailand

The epicenter of the earthquake was located just 16 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.2 million people. The tremors wreaked havoc in the city, damaging infrastructure and causing roads to buckle. In total, at least 20 people were killed, and many others were injured.

The earthquake’s shockwaves reached neighboring Thailand, where a high-rise building in Bangkok collapsed, killing three people inside. The tremors also caused widespread panic in the Thai capital, with people fleeing their homes and offices in fear. Structural damage was reported in several parts of Thailand, with many people forced to seek shelter outside.

Aftershock Magnifies the Devastation

Just 12 minutes after the initial earthquake, a powerful aftershock measuring 6.4 struck the region. The epicenter of the aftershock was located 18 kilometers south of Sagaing, further deepening the destruction caused by the first quake. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the depth of the earthquake was measured at 9.97 kilometers, contributing to the intensity of the tremors.

Mandalay and Other Cities Left in Ruins

In Mandalay, the damage was severe. The earthquake caused parts of the former royal palace to collapse, along with several other key buildings in the city. A major bridge linking Ava and Sagaing also collapsed into the Irrawaddy River, with dramatic videos showing large sections of the bridge falling into the water. In the wake of the quake, cracked roads and collapsed structures were scattered across the city, leaving residents stranded and in shock.

The destruction was not limited to Mandalay. Other cities in Myanmar also faced significant damage, with buildings crumbling and roads destroyed. Hospitals and emergency services were overwhelmed, struggling to deal with the large number of injured individuals. Medical teams were forced to treat victims outside as they worked to provide immediate care.

Myanmar’s Overwhelmed Hospitals

In Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, the main hospital’s emergency entrance collapsed onto a car, forcing medical staff to move patients outside. Drips were set up on gurneys, and relatives comforted the wounded as they waited for care. Many victims cried out in pain, while others lay unconscious, overwhelmed by the injuries caused by the earthquake.

The situation in Myanmar’s hospitals has raised concerns about the ability of the country’s healthcare system to respond to natural disasters. With infrastructure damaged and resources stretched thin, the ability to provide care to all those affected is becoming increasingly difficult.

Myanmar’s History with Earthquakes

Myanmar has experienced over 14 major earthquakes in the past century, and experts believe the recent quake is part of a larger seismic pattern in the region. The earthquake is believed to be linked to the Sagaing Fault, a 1,200-kilometer active fault line that runs through the country. This fault line is known for its frequent seismic activity, and experts say it is responsible for releasing stress that can result in powerful earthquakes.

According to the Earth Observatory of Singapore, the Sagaing Fault’s slip rate causes large amounts of energy to build up over time. When this stress is released, it results in strong quakes. Dr. Shengji Wei, a principal investigator at the observatory, confirmed that the region is highly susceptible to earthquakes, and more powerful tremors could occur in the future.

The Impact of the Earthquake on Thailand

While Myanmar bore the brunt of the earthquake’s destruction, Thailand was also significantly affected. Thailand experiences fewer earthquakes than Myanmar, but the tremors from the Myanmar earthquake were felt across the country. Most of the seismic activity in Thailand is the result of quakes in neighboring Myanmar, making the region particularly vulnerable to cross-border seismic risks.

The earthquake has highlighted the potential danger that Myanmar’s seismic activity poses to Thailand. As earthquakes become more frequent in Myanmar, neighboring countries like Thailand will need to prepare for the possibility of tremors reaching their borders. Emergency response teams and infrastructure must be ready to handle the potential consequences of such natural disasters.

Seismic Risks and Preparedness in Southeast Asia

The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the need for improved earthquake preparedness in Southeast Asia. Countries in the region, especially Myanmar and Thailand, must invest in strengthening their infrastructure to withstand seismic activity. Hospitals, bridges, and buildings must be built to resist the destructive power of earthquakes, ensuring that lives can be saved even in the most extreme circumstances.

In addition to strengthening infrastructure, governments in the region must also focus on disaster preparedness and response. Emergency services must be equipped to handle large-scale natural disasters, and communities must be educated on how to respond when earthquakes strike.

The Path Ahead for Myanmar and Thailand

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has caused widespread destruction, with significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The aftershock further exacerbated the devastation, leaving cities like Mandalay in ruins. While Thailand also experienced the effects of the earthquake, it was Myanmar that suffered the most significant damage.

The earthquake is a stark reminder of the seismic risks that Myanmar and neighboring countries face. Experts warn that the region’s fault lines remain active, and more powerful quakes may be on the horizon. As both Myanmar and Thailand work to recover, it is essential that they invest in better infrastructure and preparedness to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.