Under construction Skyscraper falls as 7.7 earthquake hits Myanmar, tremors felt from Kolkata to Delhi

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Myanmar on Friday afternoon, triggering panic as tremors were felt across the country and even in Bangkok, Thailand. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the epicenter of the quake was recorded at Lat: 21.93 N, Long: 96.07 E, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the tremor hit 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing city at 12:50 PM local time (0620 GMT).

Reports from the affected regions indicate significant structural damage, with pagodas and buildings suffering cracks and collapses. Videos circulating on social media showed people rushing out of their homes and restaurants, while in Bangkok, witnesses described water splashing out of swimming pools and buildings swaying due to the tremors. While no immediate casualties have been reported, authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage.

This is not the first seismic activity in Myanmar this month. On March 9, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck the country at a depth of 125 km, followed by a 4.2-magnitude tremor on March 3 at a depth of 10 km. The shallow depth of the latest 7.7-magnitude earthquake raises concerns about potential aftershocks, as shallower quakes tend to release more energy closer to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and infrastructure damage.

Myanmar is located in a highly active seismic zone, due to the ongoing collision of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates. The country experiences around 140 earthquakes annually with a magnitude of 3.0 or higher, as recorded by the International Seismological Centre. Despite this, Myanmar lacks an official seismic hazard map, making risk assessment and disaster preparedness a significant challenge.

Scientists and geologists have long warned that Myanmar’s long coastline and tectonic activity make it vulnerable to both strong earthquakes and potential tsunamis. The absence of a comprehensive earthquake response system adds to concerns about future disaster preparedness. Given the frequent seismic events in the region, experts emphasize the urgent need for improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and public awareness programs to minimize casualties and damage.

As aftershocks continue to be a possibility, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared. Rescue teams are on standby, and damage assessments are underway to evaluate the impact on urban and rural areas. While Myanmar has a history of strong earthquakes, this latest event highlights the urgent need for updated seismic policies and disaster response measures to ensure better preparedness in the future.