Myanmar earthquake unleashed power of 334 atomic bombs, says geologist

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that wreaked havoc on Myanmar on Friday (March 28) may have released energy equivalent to more than 300 atomic bomb explosions, according to a geologist. Talking to US news broadcaster CNN, Jess Phoenix warned that the region may continue to face tremors and aftershocks in the coming months.

“The force that a quake like this releases is about 334 atomic bombs,” she said.

She said the Friday earthquake and aftershocks were caused as the Indian tectonic plate continued to crash into the Eurasian plate beneath Myanmar. This phenomenon will likely trigger more tremors in the region over the coming months, she warned.

The geologist added that the ongoing civil war in Myanmar has severely hampered the nation’s ability to brave such catastrophes. “What would normally be a difficult situation becomes almost impossible,” she told CNN.

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Civil war in Myanmar

Myanmar has witnessed decades of conflict and military rule since its independence from the British in 1948.

This changed in 2011, and four years later, the country held free elections and elected Aung San Suu Kyi to power.

Myanmar was again thrown into a state of unrest after Suu Kyi and her government were ousted in a military coup led by General Min Aung Hlaing in February 2021. He jailed her and other members of her government alleging widespread fraud in the November 2020 elections.

The country continues to be in the grip of civil war, military rule and widespread poverty. The UN says 3 million people have been displaced by the conflict.

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Many places in Myanmar are now too dangerous for aid groups to reach. People struggle for basic needs, including medical care and food.

Extent of loss in Myanmar

Latest figures released by the military-led government of Myanmar say at least 1,644 people have been killed.

However, the government has warned that the toll could rise as rescuers continue to recover bodies from rubble.

On Friday, the USGS projected that the death toll in the country could rise up to 10,000.

Foreign aid arrives

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s giant neighbours India and China have dispatched teams and humanitarian aid to help with relief efforts.

The leader of Myanmar’s ruling military junta, Min Aung Hlaing, said Friday, “I have declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance,” adding that India will be sending assistance. “I would like to extend an open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help the people in need within our country.”

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrote on X, “[India] dispatches first tranche of urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar.”

“A search & rescue team and medical team is also accompanying this flight,” Jaishankar said, adding, “We will continue to monitor the developments and more aid will follow.”