Dramatic Rise In Myanmar Quakes Over Past Two Years

TECTONICS

In 1912, a quake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale jolted Myanmar in Shan state, which borders China, Laos and Thailand.

by Staff Writers
Yangon, Mynamar (AFP) Feb 12, 2006
The frequency of earthquakes in Myanmar has risen dramatically over the past two years but scientists are divided over whether it means a big quake is now likely, a report said Sunday.

Department of Meteorology and Hydrology records showed there were just 22 earthquakes on average each year in Myanmar from 1917 to 2000, the weekly Myanmar Times said in its edition to be published Monday.

But the frequency soared to more than 200 in 2004 and over 300 in 2005, the daily said, adding that there had already been 28 quakes in January this year.

Some seismologists say there is huge potential for a strong quake in the northeast of the Bay of Bengal region, while others argue the high frequency of small quakes reduces tensions on geological faults.

"These different theories just point out the fact that it is impossible to accurately predict earthquakes," U Tun Lwin, the acting director-general of the department, told the daily.

The most seismically active areas in Myanmar are Coco Island, off the tip of Gulf Mottama, Sagaing Division, which borders India, Kachin in the north and the eastern Shan states.

In 1912, a quake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale jolted Myanmar in Shan state, which borders China, Laos and Thailand.

Source: Agence France-Presse

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