A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation. The epicenter was near the city of Sagaing, and tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, about 900 km away. Myanmar’s military government has confirmed 144 deaths and over 732 injuries, though the actual toll is feared to be much higher.
In Bangkok, a 30-storey under-construction building collapsed, killing three and injuring over 80. Emergency has been declared in both Myanmar and Thailand, with rescue operations underway.
India has offered full assistance to the affected nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, said India is in close contact with both countries and ready to help in any way possible.
According to Dr. Vineet Gehlot, Director of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, the Sagaing region of Myanmar is geologically as sensitive as the Himalayas. He warned that no major earthquake has struck Garhwal and Kumaon in the past 500-700 years, making them highly vulnerable.
Experts note that cities like Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad could face severe impact from Himalayan quakes. A difference of just 1 point on the magnitude scale means a 32-fold increase in released energy, drastically intensifying damage.
