Myanmar earthquake: The science behind the devastating 7.7 magnitude tremor
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The science behind the devastating 7.7 magnitude Myanmar tremor
- A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Mandalay, Myanmar, causing significant damage and fatalities.
- The earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, was felt in neighboring Thailand, where a building collapse resulted in casualties.
- Myanmar's location on a tectonic plate boundary makes it prone to earthquakes, although large quakes in the Sagaing region are relatively rare.
- The shallow depth of the earthquake amplified the damage, as the shockwaves had less distance to dissipate before reaching the surface.
- The lack of preparedness for a major seismic event in the region contributed to the severity of the damage, as infrastructure was not built to withstand such forces.