Myanmar Earthquake 2025: 7.7 Magnitude, Impact & Global Seismic Zones

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Myanmar Earthquake 2025: On March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck central Myanmar, affecting several areas, including Mandalay. This disaster caused many casualties and severe damage to infrastructure.

Myanmar Earthquake 2025: key Points

1. Magnitude of the Earthquake:
   • • The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes in recent years.
     • Twelve minutes after the main earthquake, an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude was recorded.
2. Epicenter:
   • The epicenter was located 16 km northwest of Sagaing city.
   • The earthquake originated at a depth of 10 km beneath the Earth’s surface.
   • According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this was a very shallow earthquake, causing severe damage on the surface.
3. Affected Areas:
   • The earthquake hit major cities in Myanmar, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw (the capital).
   • The most affected regions were Mandalay, Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Shan, and Naypyidaw.
   • Tremors were also felt in Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and southwestern China.
4. Impact:
   • According to government reports, the death toll exceeded 2,700.
   • More than 441 people went missing after the disaster.
   • Myanmar’s GDP suffered a 70% loss due to the destruction.
   • Over 1,500 buildings, several bridges and roads were severely damaged.
5. Humanitarian Aid:
   • Thailand, China, India, Russia, and the United Nations announced emergency aid for Myanmar.
   • The United Nations and Red Cross launched an appeal to raise $100 million for relief efforts.
   • India initiated “Operation Brahma,” under which: 
     • 15 tons of relief materials and an 80-member NDRF team were sent.
     • INS Satpura and INS Savitri delivered 40 tons of humanitarian aid to Yangon.
6. Major Earthquakes in Myanmar’s History:
   • 1839 Earthquake: The strongest recorded earthquake in Myanmar with a magnitude of 8.3, killing 300-400 people.
   • January 1990 Earthquake: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake damaged over 32 buildings.
   • 2016 Earthquake: A 6.8 magnitude earthquake in August 2016 damaged hundreds of ancient Buddhist temples.

Why Does Myanmar Experience Frequent Earthquakes?

• Geological Structure: Myanmar is located at the convergence point of four major tectonic plates – Eurasian, Indian, Sunda, and Burma plates. The collision and movement of these plates make Myanmar one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world.
• Tectonic Plate Movements: Myanmar lies in a highly seismic zone where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide. The Indian plate moves northward, increasing friction with the Eurasian plate. This movement creates stress, which, when suddenly released, causes powerful earthquakes.
• Sagaing Fault Line: The Sagaing Fault is Myanmar’s longest and most active fault line, running 1,500 km in the north-south direction. It separates the Indian plate (west) and the Eurasian plate (east). Due to strike-slip faulting, earthquakes frequently occur as rocks move horizontally along the fault line.
• Seismic Activity: Constant tectonic stress builds up in Myanmar, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Before this earthquake, significant pressure accumulated along the fault line, which resulted in a 7.7 magnitude tremor. Since the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth (10 km), its impact was widespread and devastating.

Role of Faults in Earthquakes

The movement of large rock plates beneath the Earth’s surface is the main cause of earthquakes. Faults play a key role in controlling this movement.

• A fault is a geological crack that divides rock layers in the Earth’s crust.
• These cracks can be small or spread over large areas.
• Rocks on both sides of a fault remain stuck due to friction. When the stored energy is suddenly released, an earthquake occurs.
• Faults are classified based on their dip (tilt) and slip (movement direction).
• Formation:
  • Faults form when tectonic stress increases beyond a limit, causing rocks to break.
  • This breaking process happens slowly over years or centuries, but when energy is suddenly released, it causes an earthquake.
• Types:
  • Normal Fault – Rocks move apart, and the upper block slips downward. It occurs in tension zones.
  • Thrust Fault – The upper rock block moves over the lower one due to compression. It is very destructive.
  • Strike-Slip Fault – Rocks slide horizontally in opposite directions due to shear forces.
  • Right-Lateral Fault – The block in front moves to the right.
  • Left-Lateral Fault – The block in front moves to the left.

Major Earthquake Zones in the World

Some regions are highly sensitive to earthquakes, known as Earthquake Belts. These belts are located along fault lines and tectonic boundaries where plate collisions and movements are most intense.

• Circum-Pacific Belt: This is the most active seismic zone on Earth, known as the “Ring of Fire.” Around 81% of the world’s earthquakes occur here. It surrounds the Pacific Ocean, covering Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, the USA (California, Alaska), and South America (Chile, Peru).
• Major Earthquakes: 2011 Japan Earthquake (9.0 magnitude), 1960 Chile Earthquake (9.5 magnitude, the strongest recorded earthquake).
• Alpide Earthquake Belt: This zone extends across mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, including the Himalayas, Iran, Turkey, Italy, and Greece. Around 17% of the world’s major earthquakes occur here. It is active due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which formed the Himalayas.
• Major Earthquakes: 2005 Kashmir Earthquake (7.6 magnitude), 2015 Nepal Earthquake (7.8 magnitude).
• Mid-Atlantic Ridge: This zone is mainly located on the ocean floor in the Atlantic Ocean, where new Earth’s crust is continuously forming as plates move apart.
• It is a divergent plate boundary where two tectonic plates move in opposite directions, creating cracks in the seafloor.
• Though mostly underwater, its activity is sometimes felt in Iceland and the Atlantic islands.

Earthquakes in India and Seismic Zones

India is a seismically active region, divided into four seismic zones based on earthquake activity. Between November 2024 and February 2025, India recorded 159 earthquakes, indicating increased seismic activity.

• Seismic Zone II – The least active zone, where earthquakes are rare.
  • Covers about 41% of India.
  • Considered structurally safest, as earthquake intensity and impact are minimal.
• Seismic Zone III – A moderate-risk zone where earthquake probability is neither too high nor too low.
  • Covers about 30% of India.
  • Buildings in this zone require some earthquake-resistant measures.
• Seismic Zone IV – A high-risk zone where earthquakes can cause cracks in the ground, building collapses, and serious damage.
  • Includes many major cities and mountainous regions.
  • Earthquake-resistant construction is mandatory here.
• Seismic Zone V – The most dangerous zone, where the strongest and most destructive earthquakes occur.
  • Covers about 11% of India, including the Himalayan region, Northeast India, and other sensitive states.
  • This zone has the highest risk of massive loss of life and property.

Major Earthquakes in India

• 1905 Kangra Earthquake: On April 4, 1905, a massive earthquake in Himachal Pradesh shook the Indian subcontinent. Magnitude: 8.0. Casualties: Around 19,800 deaths. Thousands of houses were completely destroyed, and the shockwaves were felt as far as Delhi.
• 2001 Bhuj Earthquake: On January 26, 2001, while India celebrated Republic Day, a devastating earthquake hit Bhuj, Gujarat. Magnitude: 7.9. Casualties: 12,932 deaths. Thousands of people became homeless, and roads, buildings, and infrastructure were severely damaged. It was one of the most destructive earthquakes in Indian history.
• 2025 Delhi Earthquake: On February 17, 2025, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Delhi. Mild tremors were felt. No major damage occurred, but experts warn that Delhi-NCR falls in Zone IV, where stronger earthquakes may occur in the future.

Government Initiatives for Earthquake Safety in India

• Increase in Seismological Centers: The Indian government has strengthened the earthquake monitoring network by significantly increasing the number of seismic observatories. In 2014 – 80 observatories. By February 2025 – 168 observatories. This helps in real-time monitoring and accurate earthquake predictions.
• 10-Point Agenda: In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction. It is part of Vision Document 2047 to build a disaster-resilient India.
• Earthquake-Resistant Construction: Around 59% of India’s land is earthquake-prone, so strict enforcement of building codes is in place. Retrofitting (modification of old buildings) is being used to make structures earthquake-resistant.
• Simplified Guidelines: In 2021, earthquake safety guidelines were simplified for better implementation. New buildings and apartments must follow earthquake safety standards.
• “Bhookamp” Mobile App: Launched by the National Center for Seismology (NCS), this app provides real-time earthquake updates and safety alerts.
• National Center for Seismology (NCS): Established in 1898 in Kolkata (Alipur), the NCS monitors earthquake activity across India. It has expanded into an advanced seismic network to track earthquakes continuously.
• Earthquake Disaster Risk Index (EDRI): Launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), this project assesses earthquake risks in Indian cities. Phase 1: 50 cities included. Phase 2: 16 more cities added.

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