News

Maplecroft natural hazards briefing - Magnitude 6.8 earthquake strikes Myanmar

24/03/2011

Image courtesy of DamienHR - flickr

A large shallow earthquake struck the area close to the Myanmar, Thailand and Laos border during the evening of Thursday 24th March. The epicentre of the earthquake was in the eastern state of Shan near the town of Tachileik. The earthquake was felt as far south as Bangkok and Yangon and to the west was felt Hanoi. Severe shaking has been reported near the border town of Mae Sai. The USGS estimate that in excess of 600,000 people will have felt strong, very strong, severe or violent ground shaking.

Buildings and infrastructure in the vicinity of the earthquake are unlikely to be able to withstand major ground shaking. Initial reports from Myanmar state media suggest at least 63 people have been killed. In the Thai border town of Mae Sai a woman has died. Two weeks ago a magnitude 5.4 earthquake to the north of this most recent quake struck the Myanmar / China border. Twenty-four deaths were reported from this earthquake and the most recent shock was some 125 times stronger than the earlier quake.

The area impacted by both of these recent earthquakes is key to Chinese investment in Myanmar. A number of major infrastructure projects including a rail link together with oil and gas pipelines have been initiated in the region. Initial reports suggest that the majority of damage from this most recent earthquake was centred to the south of these infrastructure projects.

The area of Myanmar most heavily impacted by the earthquake is fairly remote and sparsely populated. Communication in the area is difficult and could hinder any relief work and assessment of the humanitarian implications of the earthquake. In addition the ruling military junta in Myanmar is known for its secretiveness and reluctance to release information on natural disasters or ask the international community for assistance. Following the worst natural disaster to hit Myanmar - Cyclone Nargis in 2008 which claimed 138,000 lives, the Myanmar government was widely criticised for waiting six days before accepting international aid.

For further information contact: info@maplecroft.com or call +44 (0)1225 420000.

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