Myanmar

Current Context: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake and multiple aftershocks struck central Myanmar, the strongest globally in two years.

Causes:

• Tectonic Activity: Myanmar lies along the Sagaing Fault, where the Indian Plate (west) and Eurasian Plate (east) move past each other.
• Strike-Slip Faulting: The plates rub sideways, releasing seismic energy.
• Shallow Depth (10 km): Leads to stronger surface shaking.

Impact:

• Epicenter: Near Mandalay (population ~1.5 million).
• Affected Areas: Thailand (Bangkok) and Northeast India (tremors, no major damage).
• Seismic History: Since 1900, at least six earthquakes over magnitude 7 have occurred near the Sagaing Fault.