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Irish scientists comment on a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has hit central Myanmar.
Prof Chris Bean, Senior Professor and Head of Geophysics, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), said:
“Parts of three tectonic plates join together in Myanmar, leading to large North-South trending faults running through the country. The earthquake occurred on one of these large faults. Because of its tectonic setting, Myanmar often experiences significant earthquakes. However, this is the largest event in the region, in over 30 years (initially estimated as a magnitude=7.9). Events of this size usually lead to widespread destruction and loss of life, when they occur in populated areas.
The main concern is aftershocks. Large earthquakes can lead to large aftershocks because the stress in the region is perturbed and needs to ‘settle down’. An added problem is that many building structures will have been weakened by today’s earthquake, making them more susceptible to collapse when shaken by aftershocks.
Emergency services will work to try rescue people and specialists will keep a close eye on the areas experiencing the most aftershocks, as they are an additional hazard.
This earthquake, and earthquakes across the globes are detected by seismometers across the Irish National Seismic Network which is jointly operated by DIAS and Geological Survey Ireland https://www.insn.ie/2025-03-28-m7-7-myanmar/”
Dr Daniel McCrum, Associate Professor in Structural Engineering, University College Dublin, said:
“The magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred between the India and Eurasia tectonic plates, which runs north to south through Burma. One notable aftershock (M6.4) earthquake took place along the fault line 12 minutes after the initial M7.7 earthquake. Three other smaller magnitude earthquakes (M4.5-4.6) occurred in the following hour or so. The shaking in the region surrounding the epicentre of the earthquake, particularly smaller cities such as Sagaing and Meiktila, is described as violent in intensity, which is the second highest level of shaking that can be experienced during an earthquake. In Mandalay, 1.3 million people are affected and the shaking is described as severe, which is the third highest level of shaking intensity.
It is a very serious earthquake event. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. The USGS expect a high level of casualties and extensive damage with the disaster likely to be widespread. Such significant earthquakes typically require an international response.
The main issue will be that the majority of people live in building structures that have not been designed to resist earthquake events making them vulnerable to structural damage. Reports are already coming in highlighting several building collapses. A significant amount of housing still standing after the earthquake may be unsafe for people to move back into, and services such as water and electricity will be significantly affected.
Following initial deaths, hospitals will reach capacity and post-earthquake humanitarian needs will be required urgently such as food, temporary shelter, etc. The economic losses will be significant, representing a significant percentage of Myanmar’s GDP. Myanmar will most likely need assistance from the international community.
The earthquake could have a similar impact on population to the Nepal earthquake in 2015, which resulted in nearly 9,000 deaths, but it is probably too early to make such direct comparisons.”
Declared interests: None