Context: Junta seeks aid as 7.7 magnitude earthquake kills 144 in Myanmar

Source: The Hindu

In Myanmar and Thailand, a massive earthquake killed about 150 people and injured hundreds more. Dozens of people were trapped in collapsed buildings, and the death toll is predicted to grow.

A 6.4 magnitude aftershock occurred minutes after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck close to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.

All six of the nation’s most impacted regions were placed under a state of emergency.

In Bangkok, a building collapsed, leaving 90 people missing and at least three dead.

Model Question:

Q: Explain the causes, types, and effects of earthquakes. Discuss the measures that can be taken to mitigate their impact.

Model Answer:

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the release of energy in the lithosphere. It often results from tectonic movements and can lead to severe damage and loss of life.

Causes of Earthquakes:

1. Tectonic Movements: Movement of tectonic plates along fault lines. Example: San Andreas Fault in California.
2. Volcanic Activity: Magma movement can trigger earthquakes, especially near volcanic regions.
3. Human Activities: Mining, reservoir-induced seismicity (e.g., Koyna Dam in India), and nuclear explosions.

Types of Earthquakes:

1. Tectonic Earthquakes: Caused by plate movements, the most common type.
2. Volcanic Earthquakes: Associated with volcanic eruptions.
3. Collapse Earthquakes: Due to underground cave or mine collapses.
4. Explosive Earthquakes: Resulting from nuclear or chemical explosions.

Effects of Earthquakes:

1. Primary Effects: Ground shaking, surface rupture, and soil liquefaction.
2. Secondary Effects: Landslides, tsunamis, and fires.
3. Tertiary Effects: Socio-economic impacts such as displacement, loss of livelihood, and economic damage.

Mitigation Measures:

1. Structural Measures: Earthquake-resistant buildings, retrofitting of old structures.
2. Non-Structural Measures: Early warning systems, seismic hazard mapping.
3. Community Preparedness: Conducting mock drills, public awareness campaigns.
4. Policy Measures: Enforcing building codes, land-use planning in seismic zones.

While earthquakes cannot be prevented, their impacts can be minimized through scientific planning, resilient infrastructure, and effective disaster management. Countries like Japan have demonstrated successful mitigation strategies through preparedness and innovation.