A series of 12 aftershocks, ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, have rattled Myanmar following Friday's powerful 7.7 earthquake. The Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported ongoing tremors Saturday, raising concerns about infrastructure resilience and regional seismic risks.
The quake originated along the 1,400-km Sagaing Fault, part of the seismically active Burmese Arc where the Indian and Eurasian Plates collide. Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Center, explained: "This collision causes intense crustal deformation, making it one of Earth's most earthquake-prone regions. The fault moves 20 millimeters annually, with heightened activity in central and northern zones."
Scientists emphasize that the Himalayan orogenic belt's tectonic stresses contribute to recurring seismic events in Myanmar. While no immediate casualties have been reported, authorities continue monitoring the situation as aftershocks pose challenges for recovery efforts and long-term disaster preparedness.
