Context: 

On March 29, 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck central Myanmar, causing widespread devastation and claiming at least 144 lives. The tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighboring Thailand and parts of Northeast India. While Myanmar is often affected by earthquakes, the causes behind this frequent seismic activity lie deep within the Earth's structure.

The Sagaing Fault:

The Sagaing Fault is a major fault line running north to south through Myanmar, making the region highly susceptible to seismic activity.

·        This fault line marks the boundary between the Indian Plate to the west and the Eurasian Plate to the east. The constant movement and tension between these plates make the Sagaing Fault an earthquake hotspot.

·        The region’s geological characteristics mean that earthquakes are a frequent occurrence, as seen in the 2025 earthquake.

Frequency of Earthquakes in Myanmar

Myanmar has experienced a number of significant earthquakes over the years due to the active nature of the Sagaing Fault. Since 1900, at least six earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater have struck the region.

About Earthquake:

An earthquake is the shaking or trembling of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy from the Earth's crust or upper mantle. This energy release generates seismic or earthquake waves that cause the ground to move.

The Cause of Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur when there is a sudden release of energy stored in the Earth’s crust due to the shifting of tectonic plates. In the case of the 2025 Myanmar earthquake, the seismic event was caused by "strike-slip faulting," which occurs when two tectonic plates move horizontally past one another. This particular earthquake resulted from the friction between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, causing the ground to shake as they slid against each other.

About Focus and Epicenter of an Earthquake:

·        Focus (Hypocenter): The point within the Earth where the energy is initially released during an earthquake. It is the source of the seismic waves.

·        Epicenter: The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus. It is the first place to experience the earthquake waves.

Conclusion

Myanmar’s vulnerability to frequent earthquakes is primarily due to its location along the Sagaing Fault, where two major tectonic plates, the Indian and Eurasian Plates, continuously interact. By understanding the movement of tectonic plates and the behavior of faults like the Sagaing Fault, steps can be taken to better prepare for future earthquakes and mitigate their impact.