BMKG Explains Myanmar’s Twin Earthquakes to Thailand
- A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, sending tremors across the region and causing damage in both Myanmar and Thailand.
- According to the meteorology Agency for Climatology and Geophysics, the earthquake was a doublet, or twin, earthquake.
- Initial reports indicate that several high-rise buildings collapsed.
Double Earthquake Hits Myanmar, Shakes Thailand
Table of Contents
- Double Earthquake Hits Myanmar, Shakes Thailand
- Double Earthquake Hits Myanmar, shakes Thailand: A Q&A Guide
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, sending tremors across the region and causing damage in both Myanmar and Thailand.
According to the meteorology Agency for Climatology and Geophysics, the earthquake was a doublet, or twin, earthquake.
Initial reports indicate that several high-rise buildings collapsed. One official stated the earthquake shock is estimated to have a maximum intensity scale of VIII-IX MMI (heavy damage).
Twin earthquakes are defined as two earthquake events that have almost the same magnitude and occur in a relatively close adjacent time and location.
The earthquake in Myanmar caused damage in Thailand due to the long-period vibration effect, which can severely impact areas with soft soils and thick layers, such as Bangkok.
An official noted the similarity to the case of the 1985 M8.3 Mexican Michoacan earthquake [which] destroyed the city of Michoacan which is almost 400 kilometers from the epicenter.
Earthquake Details:
Earthquake 1:
- Time: 1:20:56 p.m. WIB
- Magnitude: 7.6 (7.7 according to the U.S. Geological Survey)
- Depth of Earthquake Center: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Earthquake 2:
- Time: 1:31:59 p.m. WIB
- Magnitude: 6.4
- Depth of Earthquake Center: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
time and Distance Between Earthquakes:
- Time Difference: 11 minutes, 3 seconds
- Distance difference: About 60 kilometers (37 miles)
Type and Trigger:
The earthquakes were shallow crust earthquakes triggered by activity on the Sagaing Fault.
Double Earthquake Hits Myanmar, shakes Thailand: A Q&A Guide
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, causing significant tremors throughout the region, affecting both Myanmar and Thailand. This guide provides answers too frequently asked questions about this seismic event.
What Happened?
On March 28, 2025, a doublet earthquake struck Myanmar. this means there were two distinct earthquake events that occurred in relatively close proximity in time and location.
What is a “Doublet Earthquake”?
Twin earthquakes, or doublets, are defined by two earthquake events that have nearly the same magnitude and occur close to each other in both time and location.
What Were the Earthquake’s Details?
Here’s a breakdown of the seismic activity:
Earthquake 1:
Time: 1:20:56 p.m. WIB
Magnitude: 7.6 (7.7 according to the U.S.Geological Survey)
Depth of Earthquake Center: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
earthquake 2:
Time: 1:31:59 p.m. WIB
Magnitude: 6.4
Depth of Earthquake Center: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Time and Distance Between Earthquakes:
Time Difference: 11 minutes, 3 seconds
Distance difference: about 60 kilometers (37 miles)
Type and Trigger
The earthquakes were shallow crust earthquakes and were triggered by activity on the Sagaing Fault.
Were Was the Earthquake Felt?
The earthquake was felt strongly in both Myanmar and Thailand. Buildings swayed in Bangkok, and initial reports indicated that several high-rise buildings collapsed.
What Kind of Damage Was Caused?
Initial reports suggested the collapse of several high-rise buildings. An official stated the earthquake shock is estimated to have a maximum intensity scale of VIII-IX MMI (heavy damage). There were indications of building collapses and other damage in both Myanmar and Thailand.
How Did the Earthquake Affect Thailand?
The earthquake in Myanmar caused damage in Thailand due to the long-period vibration effect. This effect can severely impact areas with soft soils and thick layers, which are characteristics of Bangkok.
How Does This Earthquake Compare to Previous Events?
An official noted the similarity to the 1985 M8.3 Mexican Michoacan earthquake, which caused significant destruction.
key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Earthquake 1 | Earthquake 2 |
| :——————— | :—————— | :————- |
| Time (WIB) | 1:20:56 p.m. | 1:31:59 p.m. |
| Magnitude | 7.6 (7.7 USGS) | 6.4 |
| Depth | 10 km (6.2 miles) | 10 km (6.2 miles) |
| Time Difference | N/A | 11 minutes 3 sec |
| Distance Difference| N/A | About 60 km |