rishabh

The 7.7 magnitude (strongest one anywhere in the world in the last two years, USGS data) earthquake, which jolted Myanmar and neighbouring countries on 28.03.2025 . 7.7 magnitude is termed as MAJOR earthquake . This reminds us Bhuj earthquake (7.7 magnitude) on 26/01/2001.After that,we revised construction specifications. The magnitude of an earthquake is a function of the energy released at its source. The ground effects, known as earthquake "intensity," die away with distance, but an earthquake of, say magnitude 7 is a magnitude 7 earthquake no matter where on the globe it occurs. The time, location, and magnitude of an earthquake can be determined from the data recorded by seismometer. Seismometers record the vibrations from earthquakes that travel through the Earth. The earth's upper layer is split into different sections, called tectonic plates, which are all moving constantly. Some move alongside each other, whilst others are above and below each other. As the plates move past each other, they can become stuck, building friction until it is suddenly released and the earth shifts, causing an earthquake. Myanmar is considered to be one of the most geologically "active" areas in the world because it sits on top of the convergence of four of these tectonic plates - the Eurasian plate, the Indian plate, the Sunda plate and the Burma microplate. Earthquakes can happen at up to 700km below the surface. The location below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicenter. Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous as they carry more energy when they emerge to the surface when compared to quakes that occur deeper underneath the surface. Epicenter of 28 March 2025 earthquake was just 10km from the surface (shallow) The epicentre of the earthquake was about 17.2 km from Mandalay, (where respected Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was imprisoned from 1908 to 1914 ). This increases the amount of shaking at the surface. There is a major fault called the Sagaing fault, which cuts right through Myanmar north to south and is more than 1,200km long. Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar due to the Sagaing Fault, Bangkok is having soft soil where seismic waves slow down and build up, getting bigger in size.