Myanmar and Thailand earthquakes: Tips and tricks to stay safe during the disaster

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake and an aftershock measuring 6.4 rocked Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, destroying buildings, a bridge, and a dam.
As per the head of the military government’s televised speech, at least 144 people were killed in Myanmar. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said, “The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” adding that more than 700 people had been injured.
At least six died in the Thai capital, Bangkok, where a high-rise under construction collapsed. Damage was also reported in China.
Striking in the early afternoon, the earthquake sent people streaming out of buildings and seeking shelter anywhere they could find it from the blazing sun.
Myanmar’s military-run government has declared a state of emergency in six regions.

While the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand have already occurred and necessary measures have been taken to deal with the post-quake situation, it is important to keep some safety precautions in place in case one is faced with something similar in the future.
Read on to know more.

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates along fault lines, releasing stored energy in the form of seismic waves.

During an earthquake, the ground shakes violently due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, generating seismic waves that propagate outwards. This can cause a variety of effects, including ground shaking, potential for damage to buildings, and other hazards like landslides, tsunamis, and fires.


During an earthquake, practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On. " Seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk and stay away from windows, outer walls, and hanging objects. After the shaking stops, be prepared for aftershocks and assess the damage before taking further action.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
During an Earthquake:Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk. Hold on to the shelter you've crawled under as it can shift with the earthquake.
If Indoors:
Drop, cover, and hold on. If no sturdy object is available, crouch down next to an interior wall. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it's safe to exit.
Stay away from outer walls, windows, fireplaces, hanging objects, buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines.
If Outdoors:
Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop to your hands and knees and stay there until the shaking stops.
If in a Vehicle:
Pull over and stop in a safe location, set your parking brake, and stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
If in a High-Rise Building:
Stay put and do not use elevators.
If in a Bed:
Stay in bed, covering your head with a pillow.
If Trapped Under Debris:
Cover your mouth using a handkerchief or clothing to prevent inhaling dust. Tap on a pipe or wall to signal rescuers. Use a whistle (if available) to signal rescuers. Shout only as a last resort, as it can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. Do not light a match or move about.


Be Prepared for Aftershocks: Smaller earthquakes known as aftershocks happen following a bigger earthquake.
Assess the Damage: Once the shaking stops, assess the damage to your home and surrounding area.
Check for Injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid if needed.
Turn Off Utilities: If possible, safely turn off gas and electricity at the main shutoffs.
Evacuate if Necessary: If your home is damaged or unsafe, evacuate to a safe location.
Stay Informed: Listen to local news and emergency broadcasts for updates.
Contact Emergency Services: If you have an emergency, call the emergency services.
Clean Up and Make Temporary Repairs: Once it is safe to do so, clean up the area and make any necessary temporary repairs.


Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep a kit with essentials like water, food, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, and a radio.
Secure Your Home: Secure tall, free-standing furniture and appliances.
Identify Earthquake Hazards: Identify potential hazards inside your home, such as items that could fall and injure someone.
Practice Earthquake Drills: Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" with family and coworkers.
Talk to Your Children: Talk to your children about earthquakes so they are less afraid and anxious when one happens.
Keep Contact Information Current: Keep your contact information, including phone numbers and addresses, up to date.
Make Connections Flexible: Use flexible connections for all utilities to prevent fires, floods, or gas leaks.
Listen to Children: Encourage your child to express their feelings of fear, anxiety, or anger.
Prepare your property: Secure your home and belongings to prevent damage and injuries.
Assess Your Risk: Research your area and find out if you live near an active fault line.