What you need to know about the deadly earthquake that hit Myanmar

A powerful 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, early Friday and sent tremors to 1,300 kilometers from Bangkok.

The earthquake caused widespread devastation in two Myanmar cities, with rescue staff in the capital, Naypyidaw, who withdrew the survivors from the wreckage of collapsed buildings. In Bangkok, the authorities confirmed deaths on three construction sites, including one high building.

According to the experts, the earthquake, which originated over the soft fault, level, was, which led to intense ground shake. The American Geological Survey estimates that nearly 800,000 people in Myanmar may have experienced the most violent tremor. Preliminary estimates indicate that a significant death toll, possibly more than 1,000, is likely.

What are earthquakes and why does this happen in certain parts of the world?

The earth’s crust is broken into different pieces called tectonic plates, which fit like a puzzle.

This formation is ‘mostly stable, but along the edges they move’, said Michael Steckler, Columbia University.

The pressure is built up as sliding plates, and increases ‘very slowly for decades or hundreds of years, and then the rock plates will suddenly jump,’ Steckler said.

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Earthquakes usually occur along the edges of tectonic plates. But its effects can be felt in a broader region.

Earthquakes found in the ocean do not always attract attention, but those that occur close to where people live can cause deaths and injuries, mostly from collapsed buildings.

What do scientists know about earthquakes in advance?

Scientists have a good idea of ​​where earthquakes are likely to occur, “but we cannot predict when it will occur,” said the USGS discologist Will Yeck.

However, after the initial major earthquake, researchers can project that other smaller earthquakes in the area, called aftershocks, are likely.

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Afterhocks are caused “due to changes to tension in the earth of the main shock,” Yeck said.

Given the extent of the earthquake in Myanmar: “You will probably see aftershocks over the next few months,” Steckler said.

What should you do if you are in a building if the earthquake shakes?

In regions of the world with well -known active fault lines, including California and Japan, building codes are often designed to withstand earthquakes. But that is not true everywhere.

“If you feel shake, the guidance depends on where you are in the world,” Yeck said.

In many countries, including the United States, if you are inside when an earthquake occurs, it is advisable to fall to the ground, cover your head – for example by crawling under a desk or another sturdy structure and holding onto the structure, he said. Try to avoid areas near glass windows and do not use building raises.

If you are outside, try to stay away from buildings or trees that may fall.

Depending on the location, there may be secondary dangers caused by earthquakes, such as landslides, fires or tsunamis, he said.