A multidisciplinary research team has unveiled critical insights into the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, revealing profound implications for disaster preparedness and urban development in tectonically active regions.
The seismic event, originating along the Sagaing Fault, resulted in over 4,900 fatalities and 6,000 injuries, with widespread destruction across major urban centers including Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw. The earthquake's unprecedented supershear rupture extended over 460 kilometers, causing surface displacements exceeding 6 meters and generating intense shaking that reverberated across international boundaries.
Researchers highlighted the complex interplay between geological dynamics and human vulnerability. The study, published in the Journal of Dynamic Disasters, demonstrated how the earthquake's impact transcended national borders, notably causing the collapse of a 33-story skyscraper in Bangkok, Thailand, which claimed 29 lives and underscored the interconnected nature of regional seismic risks.
Lead researcher Khan Shahzada emphasized the unique characteristics of the event, noting that the Sagaing Fault's tectonic framework, shaped by the oblique convergence of tectonic plates, has historically generated significant seismic activity. The 2025 earthquake distinguished itself through its extensive surface deformation and cascading disaster potential.
The research critically examined existing infrastructure vulnerabilities, challenging current building codes, emergency response frameworks, and heritage conservation practices. The findings advocate for enhanced seismic monitoring, critical infrastructure retrofitting, and strengthened international disaster risk reduction collaborations.
With climate change and rapid urbanization intensifying exposure to natural hazards, the Myanmar earthquake serves as a critical case study for developing resilience strategies in tectonically active, rapidly developing regions. The research suggests that comprehensive, interdisciplinary approaches are essential for mitigating potential catastrophic losses in similar geological contexts.
The study's implications extend far beyond Myanmar, offering a blueprint for understanding and preparing for complex, transboundary seismic events. By integrating fault models, historical seismicity records, and comprehensive impact assessments, researchers have provided a crucial framework for future disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.
