On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake around noon local time. It triggered a series of aftershocks, one reaching 6.4 in magnitude. The seismic waves were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, reaching as far as India, China, and Thailand, where a partially built skyscraper in Bangkok collapsed. Myanmar has since declared a state of emergency due to widespread infrastructure damage.
Why Myanmar Is Prone to Earthquakes
Myanmar lies along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line running north to south through the country. Stretching 1,200 km, this right-lateral strike-slip fault—similar in behavior to California’s San Andreas Fault—has a long record of generating large earthquakes, including major events in 1931, 1946, 1956, 1991, and 2012.
Why the Shaking Was Felt in Neighboring Countries
Even though cities like Bangkok are located hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, soft clay soils beneath the city can amplify seismic waves, a phenomenon known as site response. This causes tall buildings to sway more intensely, leading to structural damage even far from the quake’s origin—a scenario also familiar in places like Mexico City and Singapore.
How Earthquakes Damage Buildings
Earthquake forces move through the ground and into any structures above. Buildings not designed to absorb this energy flexibly can crack, collapse, or completely fail. In Myanmar, many structures are built from brittle materials like unreinforced masonry, timber, or poorly constructed concrete, making them especially vulnerable.
Immediate Emergency Response
Following such a disaster, one of the top priorities is search and rescue. International teams like SARAID are on standby to assist, but they only deploy upon official request. Coordination is crucial to avoid overwhelming local systems and to ensure effective aid distribution.
The Role of Engineers in Disaster Response
Engineers step in to evaluate damage, inspect critical infrastructure like airports and hospitals, and assist in establishing temporary shelter, water supplies, and sanitation facilities for displaced populations. They also help plan long-term rebuilding efforts.
Earthquake-Resistant Design: What’s Possible?
While no structure can be made entirely earthquake-proof, buildings can be designed to withstand significant seismic forces. Modern building codes in high-risk areas account for ground conditions, acceptable risk levels, and building use—nuclear plants, for instance, require stricter standards than houses.
Retrofitting Older Buildings
Older structures, including heritage buildings, can be retrofitted using techniques like adding shear walls or wall anchors. This process strengthens existing buildings to make them more resilient in future earthquakes.
Infrastructure Beyond Buildings
Any structure—whether a bridge, road, pipeline, or tunnel—is at risk during an earthquake. Strengthening strategies must be tailored to the specific location and underlying geology to reduce damage and downtime.
Rebuilding After the Quake
Reconstruction is a slow, complex process. Damage levels vary based on the quake’s strength and location, but major disasters can leave hundreds of thousands homeless. Rebuilding requires a balance of speed and thoughtful planning, along with strong governance and community input.
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This event highlights both the vulnerability and resilience of infrastructure in the face of natural disasters—and the critical role engineers play in response, recovery, and prevention.
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