Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, killing over 1,000 people and injuring thousands. The epicenter was located in central Myanmar, about 50 kilometers east of Monywa. The tremors caused significant devastation, collapsing buildings, bridges, and roads, while CCTV and smartphone footage captured the horrifying aftermath.
Widespread Devastation in Myanmar
Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, suffered heavy destruction. A centuries-old Buddhist pagoda crumbled, and a monk died when a monastery collapsed. Many residents are now sleeping outdoors, fearing aftershocks. The Mandalay Airport sustained structural damage, hampering relief operations in a nation already struggling with an ongoing civil war.
A viral video from Myanmar has sparked discussions as it shows water gushing from the ground. Experts suspect soil liquefaction, a phenomenon where water-saturated soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during seismic activity. According to Britannica, “Buildings constructed on loose soil pitch and tilt easily when liquefaction occurs, since the soil no longer supports the structures’ foundations.”
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) in India confirmed that soil liquefaction significantly contributed to the devastation in Myanmar and Bangkok. The agency noted that the earthquake’s shaking frequency matched the natural vibrations of buildings, intensifying the destruction.
Impact in Bangkok
The earthquake’s tremors reached Bangkok, Thailand, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed, killing at least 10 people. Rescue teams are searching for nearly 100 missing workers trapped beneath the debris. Authorities have recorded over 2,000 reports of structural damage and are inspecting buildings for safety.
While Bangkok did not experience widespread destruction, several high-rise buildings swayed, rooftop swimming pools overflowed, and hospitals evacuated patients. Some emergency surgeries were performed outdoors due to evacuations.
Why Did the Earthquake Happen?
Myanmar is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, as it lies on the Sagaing Fault, a major fault line between the Indian and Sunda plates. This fault runs approximately 1,200 kilometers through Myanmar, placing the region at high risk of earthquakes.
India Launches Operation Brahma for Relief Efforts
India has launched “Operation Brahma” to assist Myanmar in the wake of the disaster. The first tranche of humanitarian aid, including tents, sleeping bags, blankets, water purifiers, hygiene kits, solar lamps, generators, and essential medicines, has already reached Yangon Airport.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X, “First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached the Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar is monitoring the situation and confirmed that no Indian nationals have been reported injured or killed in the disaster. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Thailand is coordinating with local authorities to assist Indian citizens, though no casualties have been reported in Bangkok. Indian nationals in Thailand requiring emergency assistance can contact the helpline at +66 618819218.
Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing as authorities work to assess the full extent of the devastation and provide aid to affected communities.
