A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.2 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, with tremors felt across the country and neighboring regions. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the epicenter was located at Lat: 21.93 N and Long: 96.07 E, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, making the earthquake more potent and increasing the likelihood of aftershocks.

Location and Impact

The tremor struck 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing city at 12:50 PM local time (0620 GMT), the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The shallow depth amplified the earthquake’s intensity, causing strong ground shaking and heightened potential for structural damage and casualties.

Tremors were also felt in Bangkok, Thailand, where local witnesses reported people running out onto the streets in panic. Videos circulating online captured moments of people being shaken while having food, and water splashing out of swimming pools in high-rise buildings.

Recent Earthquake Activity in Myanmar

This earthquake follows a series of moderate seismic events in Myanmar over the past month:

• On March 9, 2025, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake was reported at a depth of 125 km, according to NCS.

• On March 3, 2025, another magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km.

Seismologists have highlighted that shallow earthquakes like the one on March 28 tend to be more dangerous due to their proximity to the Earth's surface, causing greater damage and higher casualty risk.

Myanmar's High Seismic Hazard

Myanmar is situated in a high seismic hazard zone due to the collision of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates. According to the International Seismological Centre, over 140 seismic events with a magnitude greater than 3.0 occur annually in Myanmar and its surrounding regions.

Despite the country’s high seismic vulnerability, Myanmar does not yet have an official national seismic hazard map to guide preparedness and response efforts. This increases the risk of damage to infrastructure and potential casualties in the event of strong earthquakes.

Potential for Aftershocks and Future Risks

Given the shallow depth and magnitude of 7.2, experts predict aftershocks in the coming days. Shallow earthquakes release more energy closer to the Earth's surface, making them more destructive and increasing the risk of tsunamis along Myanmar's extensive coastline.

Expert Warnings and Preparedness

Seismologists caution that Myanmar remains vulnerable to future high-magnitude earthquakes and associated risks, including tsunamis along its long coastline. Experts emphasize the need for:

• Upgrading infrastructure to withstand future earthquakes.

• Developing an official seismic hazard map for risk mitigation.

• Training and awareness programs for emergency response.

Historical Earthquake Vulnerability

Myanmar has experienced several moderate and high-magnitude earthquakes over the years. Historical data from the International Seismological Centre shows consistent seismic activity, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced seismic resilience in the region.

Government and Relief Efforts

Authorities in Myanmar and neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation and have mobilized emergency response teams to assess potential damage and provide assistance. Preliminary reports suggest no immediate large-scale casualties or infrastructure damage, though detailed assessments are underway.

Conclusion

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has raised fresh concerns about the country’s seismic preparedness and highlighted the urgent need for improved mitigation efforts. As aftershocks loom, authorities are urged to take proactive measures to minimize potential risks and safeguard vulnerable communities. The coming days will be crucial in assessing the full impact of the earthquake and determining necessary relief efforts.

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