A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, killing at least 1,644 people and leaving widespread destruction. Chinese earthquake experts have shed light on the tectonic forces behind one of Asia's deadliest seismic events in recent years.
Researchers from the China Earthquake Networks Center identified the quake's origin within Myanmar's geologically volatile 'Arc' region, where the Indian and Eurasian plates have collided for millions of years. This ongoing collision continues to compress rock layers, creating immense pressure along the eastern Himalayan tectonic boundary.
Historical records reveal persistent danger: Ten magnitude-7.0+ earthquakes have shaken the affected area since 1900. The most catastrophic event occurred in 1912, when an 8.0-magnitude temblor reshaped landscapes across Myanmar.
For business leaders and disaster response planners, these findings underscore the need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure in high-risk zones. Academics note that understanding these plate interactions could improve regional seismic forecasting.
