By Cristian Padilla
On March 28, Myanmar was significantly impacted by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. It left over 7,000 dead with more than 530 missing. The earthquake was felt from more than 800 miles away in Bangkok, leaving another 51 dead. Other countries including China and Vietnam were also affected. Damage was widespread and left many concerned.
While there was already an ongoing humanitarian crisis due to their civil war, the situation has only deteriorated. This is just another problem added to Myanmar’s current political instability and past natural disasters. As a relief effort, opposing sides of the civil war entered a ceasefire on April 2 for 20 days that was then extended to April 30. Despite the initiation of the ceasefire, attacks proceeded.
According to the official Red Cross website, “Early estimates suggest as many as 18 million people may be without safe shelter, access to clean water or reliable healthcare.” In response, the Myanmar Red Cross sent volunteers to large cities affected by the quake, with medical and mental health professionals to assist the people.
Graphic from United States Geological Survey
On top of that, the structural damage was more than severe. The official British Red Cross stated that “In Sagaing Township, it is reported that over 70 percent of structures have sustained significant damage, including the destruction of the largest bridge connecting Sagaing and Mandalay.” This highlights the problems with the country’s engineering and preparedness, as this is not the first time Myanmar has been significantly damaged by a natural disaster. Poor construction regulations and minimal building codes have caused much public outcry as they realize that this led to preventable destruction. Experts are pushing for earthquake-resistant infrastructure to help reduce damage for future disasters.
Monsoon season adds pressure to get these measures in places as soon as possible. In Bangkok, a 33-story high-rise building that was under construction collapsed, leaving many to question the practicality of the many skyscrapers in Thailand as well. The military has said that nearly 50,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving many stranded and without help. Nearly 200,000 have been displaced and a significant portion of them are living in temporary shelters.
As of April 12, Myanmar has experienced a total of 468 aftershocks following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28. Additionally, a significant aftershock measuring 5.5-magnitude struck near Meiktila on April 13, causing residents to evacuate buildings and resulting in some structural damage. This aftershock was among the strongest recorded since the initial quake.