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| Foto: Earthquake Thailand 7,7 Magnitude |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation and a tragic loss of life, was triggered by a significant movement along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological structure running through the country. This seismic event has drawn attention to the immense power of this fault line and the geological forces at play in the region.
The Sagaing Fault A Tectonic Hotspot: The Sagaing Fault is a major strike-slip fault stretching approximately 1,200 kilometers north to south through Myanmar. It marks the boundary between the Burma Microplate and the Sunda Plate, where these tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This type of fault movement, known as a strike-slip, is a significant source of earthquakes in the region as stress builds up along the fault line and is suddenly released.
7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Unleashes Tremendous Energy The magnitude 7.7 earthquake, with its epicenter near Mandalay, unleashed a tremendous amount of energy. The shallow depth of the earthquake, at approximately 10 kilometers, contributed to the intensity of the shaking felt across Myanmar and in neighboring countries like Thailand.
Supershear Rupture and Extensive Ground Displacement: Satellite data and emerging video evidence have revealed the dramatic ground movement caused by the earthquake. Reports indicate a supershear rupture, where the fault slip propagated faster than the seismic waves, amplifying the destructive forces. Ground displacements of over 3 meters (10 feet) were recorded along portions of the fault, with some areas experiencing a total offset of more than 6 meters (20 feet). This extensive surface rupture stretched for hundreds of kilometers, making it one of the longest documented strike-slip fault ruptures on record.
Historical Seismicity Along the Sagaing Fault: The March 2025 earthquake is not an isolated event. The Sagaing Fault has a long history of significant seismic activity. Since 1900, there have been several earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.0 within 250 kilometers of the recent epicenter. Notable historical earthquakes along this fault include events in 1930, 1931, 1946, 1956, 1991, and 2012, highlighting the ongoing seismic hazard posed by this active fault system.
Devastating Impact and Humanitarian Crisis: The earthquake has had a devastating impact on Myanmar, resulting in thousands of deaths, widespread injuries, and the collapse of numerous structures. The shallow depth and powerful magnitude led to intense shaking in densely populated urban centers, including Mandalay and the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. The humanitarian response has been complex, further complicated by existing internal conflicts in the region.
The March 2025 earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic and powerful forces within the Earth's crust. The movement along the Sagaing Fault underscores the seismic vulnerability of Myanmar and the importance of understanding and preparing for future earthquake events in this tectonically active region.