A Region Shaken: Understanding the Myanmar Earthquake

The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has left a trail of devastation, prompting a rare appeal for international aid from the ruling junta. The quake, felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, underscores the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and highlights the complex challenges facing rescue and relief efforts. Phoenix, a disaster analyst, chillingly compared the earthquake’s force to “around 334 atomic bombs,” emphasizing the sheer power unleashed.

We spoke with Dr. Aris Thorne, a leading expert in seismic activity and humanitarian aid, to understand the factors contributing to the widespread destruction. “The devastation in Myanmar is a stark reminder of the raw power of nature,compounded by several factors,” Dr. Thorne explained. “While a 7.7 magnitude quake is indeed powerful, the extent of the damage is also determined by the geological conditions, building quality, population density, and, crucially, the ongoing civil unrest.”

Geological Factors: Amplifying the Impact

The geological makeup of the Sagaing region, where the earthquake struck, substantially amplified the quake’s impact. Dr. Thorne elaborated, “Soft soil and sedimentary deposits, like those found in parts of Myanmar, amplify seismic waves. This phenomenon is known as soil liquefaction, where the ground loses its structural integrity and behaves like a liquid, leading to the collapse of buildings.” This is especially relevant in areas like the Mississippi River Delta in the U.S., where similar soil conditions could exacerbate earthquake damage. The New Madrid Seismic Zone, such as, poses a critically important risk to cities like Memphis due to the underlying geology.

Daryono,Director of Earthquake and Tsunami at BMKG (Indonesia’s Meteorology,Climatology,and Geophysical Agency),noted that the earthquake’s impact was felt strongly in Bangkok due to the “long vibration period.” He explained, “Why can Bangkok be damaged by the Myanmar earthquake? This phenomenon is called the long vibration effect (long vibration period) where earthquake waves whose sources are far responded to soft soil.” This effect, where earthquake waves travel long distances and interact with soft soil, amplifying the shaking, poses a significant threat to cities built on similar geological foundations.

Daryono drew a parallel to the 1985 Mexico city earthquake, where severe damage occurred despite the epicenter being 220 miles away. “Even though the distance of the earthquake center to Mexico City as far as 350 km, severe damage occurred in Mexico City, most of the 9,500 victims died in Mexico City which was built from a reclaimed swamp,” he explained.This serves as a stark reminder of the potential for distant earthquakes to cause significant damage in areas with vulnerable soil conditions.

Building Quality and Construction Standards

The quality of construction plays a pivotal role in determining the extent of earthquake damage. “The quality of construction materials and building codes are crucial,” Dr. Thorne emphasized. “Many buildings in Myanmar, particularly in rural areas, may not have been built to withstand a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. This means they are more susceptible to collapse. The lack of earthquake-resistant construction results in widespread damage to buildings and increased casualties.”

In the United States, building codes vary significantly by region, with states like California having some of the strictest earthquake-resistant construction standards.However,older buildings in many cities across the U.S.may not meet these modern standards, making them vulnerable in the event of a major earthquake. Retrofitting these buildings is a costly but necessary step to mitigate potential damage and loss of life.

The Humanitarian Crisis and International response

The earthquake has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, intricate by the ongoing civil unrest and the junta’s controversial human rights record. The junta’s appeal for international aid presents a complex challenge for the global community. “This appeal is a significant advancement,” Dr. Thorne stated. “It suggests the scale of the disaster is overwhelming,even for a regime accustomed to isolation. Though, it also presents a challenge. The international community will likely be cautious about providing aid, given the junta’s human rights record and past actions. Ensuring aid reaches those in need,without being diverted or politicized,will be a major focus.”

The United States, with its complex history with Myanmar, faces a delicate balancing act. Any aid provided will likely be carefully monitored to ensure it reaches those in need and is not diverted for political purposes.This could involve working through established international organizations like the Red Cross or partnering with local NGOs with a proven track record of impartiality.

Dr. Thorne also highlighted the potential for the earthquake to claim over 10,000 lives and the precarious situation of the Rohingya minority. “Access to the affected areas is limited, complicating search and rescue and the delivery of humanitarian aid,” he noted. “The existing humanitarian crisis involving the Rohingya minority group is a complicating factor. The displacement of over a million people, coupled with the earthquake’s impact, creates a dire humanitarian situation.Aid must be provided impartially.”

Aftershocks and Long-Term Recovery

The threat of aftershocks looms large in the aftermath of the earthquake. “Given the magnitude of the earthquake and the ongoing tectonic activity in the region, we can anticipate aftershocks for several weeks or even months,” Dr. Thorne explained. “These aftershocks can further damage already weakened buildings and infrastructure, hampering rescue and relief efforts.”

Long-term recovery efforts will require a sustained commitment from the international community.This includes providing financial assistance for rebuilding infrastructure, supporting economic development, and investing in earthquake-resistant construction practices. It also necessitates addressing the underlying political and social issues that contribute to the region’s vulnerability.

Lessons for Urban Areas: The Case of Bangkok

The fact that the Myanmar earthquake was felt in Bangkok underscores the importance of urban planning and building codes in seismically active regions. The “long vibration period” phenomenon, mentioned earlier, can amplify ground shaking, particularly in areas with soft soil. For cities like Bangkok, and even some coastal cities in the U.S., this means:

• Conducting thorough seismic risk assessments.
• Retrofitting older buildings.
• Enforcing strict building codes to ensure new structures are earthquake-resistant.
• Developing extensive disaster preparedness plans that include early warning systems, evacuation routes, and public education.

A Call for Global Cooperation

“This disaster underscores the need for global cooperation in disaster preparedness and response,” Dr. Thorne concluded. “Earthquakes don’t respect borders. We must invest in resilient infrastructure, support humanitarian efforts, and work together to mitigate the impact of these devastating events.” The Myanmar earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of collective action in the face of natural disasters.