Experts analyze Myanmar earthquake: 'Death toll could reach tens of thousands'

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced that the epicenter of the earthquake was near the city of Mandalay. The agency stated that 'high casualties and widespread damage are likely.'

The Myanmar government announced that the death toll has exceeded one thousand and that there are more than 2 thousand injured. The USGS stated that there is a 35 percent probability that the death toll could be between 10 thousand and 100 thousand.

Bill McGuire, a professor emeritus at University College London, said that a 6.7 magnitude aftershock occurred following the earthquake and that more are expected.

Rebecca Bell from Imperial College London stated that the earthquake occurred as a strike-slip event on the Sagaing Fault. Bell said, 'The straight nature of the fault means that earthquakes can rupture over large areas.'

Ian Watkinson from Royal Holloway, University of London, emphasized that construction practices in Myanmar increase earthquake risk, stating the following:

'In the past, wooden and brick structures were dominant. Today, however, high-rise reinforced concrete buildings are more vulnerable to earthquakes.'

According to a report by The Guardian, the earthquake was also felt in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Workers were left trapped under rubble after a skyscraper under construction collapsed.

Christian Malaga-Chuquitaype from Imperial College London stated that Bangkok's soft soil amplified the shaking. Malaga-Chuquitaype said, ''Construction techniques in Bangkok create problems during earthquakes.''

Ilan Kelman from University College London used the phrase, 'Earthquakes do not kill people, collapsing infrastructure kills.' Kelman emphasized that governments are responsible for building codes and planning regulations.

Bangkok authorities have assigned more than 100 engineers to inspect buildings after receiving more than 2 thousand reports of damage.

Experts stated that the effects of the earthquake will be felt for a long time.