A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale hit Myanmar on Friday, causing shockwaves in the neighboring nations of Thailand and India. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 50 kilometers east of the central Myanmar town of Monywa, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported. The earthquake was among the strongest in the region over the past years, and concerns have been raised about aftershocks as well as damage.
Impact in Myanmar and Surrounding Areas
The earthquake hit early morning, and panic broke out in Myanmar as buildings shook and residents ran into the streets for safety. While no reports of casualties or major structural damage were immediately confirmed, officials have started evaluating the situation to assess the impact.
Shakes were reported as far as Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, where people in high-rise apartments felt intense vibrations. Some evacuated their buildings as a precaution. Footage on social media indicated water sloshing out of swimming pools and chandeliers violently swaying in apartments and hotels.
In India, tremors were experienced in some areas of the Delhi-NCR region, such as Gurugram and Noida. Although the shaking was not strong enough to result in damage, most residents experienced light tremors, which made them uneasy. Indian authorities confirmed that no major damage or injuries were reported.
Official Response and Warnings
Myanmar’s government, as well as international organizations, has put out alerts concerning potential aftershocks. Seismologists recommended caution to locals since secondary shakes are likely to happen after powerful quakes.
Thai emergency units went on red alert to tackle the risk of any potential aftershocks or structural damage. The Thai Meteorological Department certified that the earthquake started in Myanmar and confirmed there was no danger of a tsunami.
India’s National Centre for Seismology also verified that the earthquake was felt throughout northern India but ensured that the depth and distance of the quake from the Indian border decreased the chances of significant damage.
Historical Context and Regional Vulnerability
Myanmar is located on a seismically active area where two of the world’s major tectonic plates, the Indo-Australian and the Eurasian, converge. This makes Myanmar earthquake-prone. In 2016, a 6.8 earthquake occurred in central Myanmar, which damaged historical sites in particular and in general, such as the ancient city of Bagan. The recent earthquake reaffirms the current seismic danger and the necessity for more robust infrastructure and readiness.
Community Reactions and Safety Measures
People in Bangkok and Delhi went to social media to report their experiences, with many fearing the severity of the shaking. Emergency services across all the affected areas have called for people to observe safety procedures and get updates through official sources.
Though the full extent of the earthquake’s effects is yet to be evaluated, the lack of initial reports of significant damage or loss of life is welcome. Officials, however, cautioned that aftershocks may present a lingering danger in the next few days.
