Myanmar hit by powerful earthquakes– should India be worried too?

On Friday, a series of powerful earthquakes hit Myanmar, causing major damage and shaking nearby countries. The tremors were so strong that people felt them in Thailand and parts of India. As the disaster unfolds, people are left wondering– could a similar earthquake strike India soon? The situation has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of regions in and around Myanmar, including India’s northeastern states.
A series of strong quakes hit Myanmar

According to a CNBC report, NCS suggests that the earthquake in Myanmar wasn’t just a one-time event. It was part of a series of powerful quakes. The first one, at 11:50 am, registered a massive 7.5 magnitude. A few minutes later, at 12:02 pm, another earthquake followed, measuring 7.0. The tremors didn’t stop there. Another quake, of magnitude 5.0, hit Myanmar at 12:57 pm, and by 1:07 pm, a fourth shock struck, registering 4.9 in magnitude.
These quakes caused major damage in Myanmar, leaving buildings destroyed and communities shaken. But the impact wasn’t limited to Myanmar. In Thailand, people rushed out of their homes in panic. The tremors even caused water to splash out of swimming pools.

PM Modi expresses concern for the affected countries
In response to the disaster, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his support. On social media, he expressed his concern and prayed for the safety of those affected. “Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he wrote.
While India stands ready to help, it also raises an important question: Could such a powerful earthquake strike India, too?
The vulnerability of India’s northeastern states

India’s northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur, are located in an earthquake-prone zone. The region lies near the boundary of two major tectonic plates– the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates– which means the area is at risk of earthquakes.
After the major earthquake in Myanmar, India also felt the tremors. According to the National Centre for Seismology, as quoted by CNBC, at 1:03 pm on Friday, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit Meghalaya, followed by another in Manipur at 1:29 pm, measuring 4.3 in magnitude.

Could India face a similar massive earthquake?
While it’s hard to predict exactly when or where an earthquake will occur, the risk remains high in India’s northeastern states. These areas are located along one of the world’s most active seismic zones. The recent earthquakes in Myanmar show how quickly such events can cause damage across borders.
The earthquakes in Myanmar were particularly strong because they occurred at a shallow depth. Shallow earthquakes often cause more damage than deeper ones because the energy is released closer to the Earth’s surface. This means that if a similar earthquake were to strike India, it could have devastating consequences.

Is India prepared for a major earthquake?
Despite the high seismic activity in India’s northeastern states, the country is not always fully prepared for such disasters. Building infrastructure that can withstand earthquakes, improving early warning systems, and educating people about safety measures are essential steps in reducing the damage when earthquakes strike.
Ongoing efforts in Myanmar and Thailand
As Myanmar and Thailand deal with the aftermath of the earthquake, both countries are focused on rescue efforts and providing relief to those affected. In Thailand, rescue teams continue to search for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. In Myanmar, authorities are assessing the damage and working to help those in need.
The impact of the earthquake in Myanmar serves as a reminder of the seismic risks faced by countries in the region, including India. Although Myanmar was the epicenter, the effects were felt far beyond its borders, especially in neighboring countries like Thailand and India.