Description

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Context

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar causing massive devastation with over 1,600 casualties.

Key Highlights

Depth 10 km (classified as a shallow earthquake making it more destructive)

Epicenter17.2 km from Mandalay Myanmar second largest city

Geological Causes & Tectonic Context

Earth outer shell (lithosphere) consists of moving tectonic plates.

Earthquakes occur when these plates slip past each other along a fault releasing stored seismic energy.

Primary Cause is Strike Slip Faulting Between Indian & Eurasian Plates

Indian Plate moves northward grinding against Eurasian Plate.

This motion caused a sudden slip along Sagaing Fault which runs north to south through central Myanmar.

Type of Fault Movement is Strike slip motion where two tectonic plates slide horizontally past each other.

Sagaing Fault

A major seismic fault line in Myanmar known for frequent & powerful earthquakes.

It marks boundary between Indian Plate (west) & Eurasian Plate (east).

Myanmar Seismic Vulnerability

Myanmar has experienced frequent high magnitude earthquakes due to Sagaing Fault.

Year	Magnitude	Epicenter Region	Impact
1839	8.3	Central Myanmar	300-400 deaths, strongest recorded in region
1912	7.9	Just south of 2025 quake's epicenter	Widespread destruction
1990	7.0	Near Sagaing Fault	32 buildings collapsed
2016	6.9	Central Myanmar	Moderate damage, no mass casualties

Myanmar has recorded 14 earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher in last 100 years.

Why This Earthquake Was So Devastating

Shallow Depth (10 km): Caused more intense ground shaking.

Major Urban Center Affected (Mandalay): High population density led to mass casualties.

Poorly Constructed Buildings: Infrastructure was not earthquake resistant.

Key Lessons

Seismic Risk Awareness Myanmar must strengthen disaster management frameworks.

Early Warning Systems Investment in real time earthquake detection needed.

Earthquake Resistant Infrastructure Implement stricter building codes for seismic safety.

Regional Cooperation Countries in region should collaborate on seismic monitoring & disaster response strategies.

Earthquakes

Term	Definition
Earthquake	Sudden shaking or trembling of Earth surface due to release of stored energy in Earth crust or upper mantle.
Focus (Hypocentre)	The point within Earth where earthquake originates.
Epicentre	The point on surface directly above focus.
Seismograph	An instrument used to detect & measure earthquakes.
Isoseismic Line	A line connecting points on surface experiencing same intensity.

Seismic Waves

Type	Description	Speed
Primary (P) Waves	Fastest seismic waves, travel through solids, liquids & gases.	Fastest
Secondary (S) Waves	Travel only through solids, cause more damage than P-waves.	Slower than P-waves
Surface Waves	Travel along Earth's surface, cause maximum destruction.	Slowest

Causes of Earthquakes

Cause	Description
Fault Zones	Most earthquakes occur along fault lines where stress builds due to tectonic movements.
Types of Faults	Thrust Faults (Convergent boundary) → Most powerful quakes (Magnitude 8+). Strike-Slip Faults (Transform boundary) → Horizontal movement (e.g. Sagaing Fault, San Andreas Fault). Normal Faults (Divergent boundary) → Less intense quakes (Magnitude <7).
Plate Tectonics	Convergent Boundaries → Subduction zones cause megathrust earthquakes (e.g. 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake). Divergent Boundaries → Spreading ridges generate mild earthquakes. Transform Boundaries → Horizontal movement causes strike-slip earthquakes (e.g. Sagaing Fault, San Andreas Fault).
Volcanic Activity	Magma movement inside volcanoes can trigger volcanic earthquakes. Myanmar has active volcanoes contributing to seismic activity.
Human-Induced Earthquakes	Mining, dam construction & deep drilling can trigger artificial seismic activity.

Why Does Myanmar Experience Frequent Earthquakes?

Factor	Details
Tectonic Setting	Myanmar lies at junction of three major tectonic plates Indian Plate (moving northward) Eurasian Plate (moving southward) Burma Microplate (moving eastward)
Sagaing Fault	A strike-slip fault that runs north-south through central Myanmar making it highly prone to earthquakes.

Operation Brahma

Parameter	Details
Country Assisted	Myanmar
Date of Earthquake	28th March 2025
Earthquake Magnitude	7.7
Response Agency	Indian Army (Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders)
Total Personnel Deployed	118-member medical task force
Mission Lead	Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill
Specialist Unit	Airborne Angels Task Force
Key Objectives	Provide emergency medical relief Support Myanmar’s strained healthcare system Deliver surgical & trauma care
Medical Facility Setup	60-bed Medical Treatment Centre
Medical Facility Capabilities	Trauma care Emergency surgeries Essential medical services
Medical Equipment & Supplies	Advanced surgical kits Emergency medicines Portable life-support systems Mobile diagnostic tools
India’s Policy Framework	Neighbourhood First Policy Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family)
Coordinating Agencies	Indian Army Ministry of External Affairs Myanmar authorities
Significance of Mission	Strengthens India’s role as a first responder in regional crises Enhances bilateral ties with Myanmar Showcases India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance
Expected Duration	Until immediate relief needs are stabilized
Past Similar Missions	Operation Maitri (Nepal Earthquake, 2015) Operation Dost (Turkey-Syria Earthquake, 2023)

For more information, please visit IAS GYAN

Sources:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss geological factors responsible for Myanmar seismic activity & analyze potential risks such earthquakes pose to neighbouring countries including India?