Energy Equivalent to 334 Atomic Bombs Released by Myanmar Earthquake: Geologist
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on February 24, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. According to geologist Jess Phoenix, the powerful quake released energy equivalent to 334 atomic bombs. The earthquake is the most powerful to hit Myanmar in a century, and its impact is still being felt across the region.
The earthquake, which struck at around 11:05 am local time, has claimed over 1,600 lives, with many more feared trapped under the rubble. The epicenter of the quake was located in the Tachileik district of Myanmar’s Shan state, near the border with Thailand and Laos.
Jess Phoenix, a geologist who has studied the region, said that the earthquake was caused by the Indian tectonic plate colliding with the Eurasian plate beneath Myanmar. This collision has been ongoing for millions of years and has led to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range.
“The Indian plate is moving at a rate of about 6 centimeters per year, and it’s this movement that’s causing the Eurasian plate to bend and flex, resulting in earthquakes,” Phoenix explained. “In this case, the earthquake was a result of the Indian plate being pushed beneath the Eurasian plate, a process known as subduction.”
The energy released by the earthquake is equivalent to 334 atomic bombs, according to Phoenix. To put this into perspective, the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II released an energy equivalent to about 15 kilotons of TNT. The energy released by the Myanmar earthquake is equivalent to over 5,000 times this amount.
As the region continues to recover from the devastating quake, experts are warning of the potential for aftershocks to continue for months. “The Indian plate is still colliding with the Eurasian plate, and this will continue to cause earthquakes in the region,” Phoenix said. “We can expect to see aftershocks for many months to come.”
Aftershocks are a common occurrence following a major earthquake, and they can be just as destructive as the initial quake. In the aftermath of the Myanmar earthquake, emergency responders are working to rescue those trapped under the rubble, while also providing aid to those displaced by the disaster.
The full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake is still being assessed, but it is clear that it has had a profound impact on the region. The earthquake has destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving thousands of people without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
As the region continues to recover from this devastating disaster, it is clear that the people of Myanmar will need continued support and assistance in the days and weeks to come. In the face of such tragedy, it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit that the people of Myanmar are already beginning to rebuild and recover.
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