Friday 25 March 2011

Burma Earthquake (24th March 2011): Initial Report

More details are starting to come in on the M6.8 earthquake that struck Burma last night, close to the border with Thailand and Laos. A combination of high vulnerability and the earthquake dynamics (including the shallow depth of the earthquake, and ground materials) have led to a large amount of damage and at least 75 people killed - though this is expected to rise. The villages in the vicinity are expected to have significant damage, and there are reports of liquefaction destroying crops. 

The military regime in Burma can be slow to release information, but as further reports come in this post will be extended and developed.