Death Toll Surpasses 2,000 Following 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake in Myanmar – One of the Region’s Strongest Quakes Since 1900

Photo credit: www.smithsonianmag.com

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, followed by significant aftershocks, marking one of the most intense seismic events in the nation in over a century. The epicenter was located near Mandalay, the country’s second largest city, and in the Sagaing region, leading to widespread devastation that was even felt in distant locations such as Bangkok, Thailand.

As of Monday, Myanmar’s military authorities reported over 2,000 fatalities, approximately 3,900 injuries, and around 270 individuals missing, according to the Associated Press. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) cautioned that the death toll may exceed 10,000 in the coming days. In Bangkok, the quake resulted in the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, claiming 17 lives and leaving 76 people unaccounted for, as detailed by the United Nations.

The earthquake struck at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, triggered by strike-slip faulting along the boundary between the India and Eurasian tectonic plates, according to a USGS report. This type of earthquake is characterized by horizontal movement along a fault line. Its tragic impact is attributed to its magnitude, the proximity to densely populated areas, and a shallow depth of around six miles. A notable aftershock of magnitude 6.4 occurred just ten minutes later.

The earthquake has had a catastrophic effect on Myanmar’s most vulnerable populations. Many families, already displaced by ongoing conflict, are in dire need of urgent aid for survival. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing support to address the growing needs.

Emergency response teams, including those from the International Federation of the Red Cross, have reported significant destruction of key infrastructure. Public buildings, roads, and a crucial bridge linking Mandalay with Sagaing have been damaged. Marie Manrique, a program coordinator with the organization, voiced concerns regarding the potential impact on large dams in the area.

According to a report by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the earthquake caused extensive harm to hotels, educational institutions, historical sites, and vital services such as electricity, water supply, and telecommunications, as well as damaging the Mandalay International Airport.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences during the earthquake. One 16-year-old student described how he fled his classroom amidst falling debris, noting it was his first encounter with such a natural disaster and conveying the sense of terror it instilled in him.

In addition to Myanmar, neighboring Thailand also reported structural damage from the quake. Response teams from various humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF, have been deployed to assess the situation and prepare necessary support.

Historically, the area has endured several major earthquakes since 1900, with similar events occurring six times, the most notable being a magnitude 7.0 quake in 1990 that resulted in severe damage.

Reports indicate that the military government in Myanmar is restricting some online coverage of the disaster. Hospitals in the affected regions are reportedly overloaded with casualties requiring medical attention. The country is currently engulfed in a civil war that escalated following a military coup in February 2021, displacing over three million individuals.

Federica Franco, head of the Doctors Without Borders mission in Myanmar, highlighted the challenges in communicating with severely impacted areas due to persistent blackouts amid the ongoing conflict.

In what has been described as an unusual move for a regime that has isolated itself internationally, the military government has issued an “open invitation” for assistance from other governments and organizations. Several nations, including China, India, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand, have dispatched rescue teams to aid in searching for survivors amidst the wreckage.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com