by A powerful earthquake of 7.7 sizes met in the early Friday near Mandalay, Myanmar, and sent tremors to Bangkok, about 800 miles (1,300 kilometers).
The quake caused widespread devastation in Myanmar cities in two cities in Myanmar, Naypyidaw, and demonstrated how survivors were drawn from the rubble of collapsed buildings. In Bangkok, the authorities confirmed deaths on three construction sites, including a high -rise building.
The earthquake, which comes along the Sagaing Treaty, was flat and, according to experts, led to intensive shadows. The US Geological Survey estimates that almost 800,000 people in Myanmar may have experienced the most violent tremor. Preliminary estimates indicate that a significant number of fatalities that may exceed 1,600 is likely.
What are earthquakes and why do you happen in certain parts of the world?
The earth’s crust is broken down into several parts, which are called tectonic plates and fit together like a puzzle.
This formation is “mostly stable, but along the edges that move it,” said the geophysicist of Columbia University, Michael Steckler.
The pressure builds up when sliders get stuck and “has been rising very slowly for decades or for hundreds of years, and suddenly the rocky slabs jump” and triggers the shaking that causes an earthquake, said Steckler.
Earthquakes typically appear on the edges of tectonic plates. But their effects can be felt in a wider region.
Earthquakes that occur in the ocean do not always attract attention, but those who live near people can cause deaths and injuries, mostly from collapsed buildings.
What do scientists know about earthquakes in advance?
Scientists have a good idea of where earthquakes probably occur, “but we cannot predict when they will appear,” said the USGS seismologist Will Yeck.
After the first major earthquake, however, researchers can project that other smaller earthquakes nearby, which refer to the afters, are likely.
Aftershof are triggered “due to changes in the stress in the earth from the main shock,” said Yeck.
In view of the size of the quake in Myanmar, “you will probably see for the next few months,” said Steckler.
What should you do if you are in a building when the earthquake shakes?
In regions of the world with well -known active fault lines, including California and Japan, the building regulations are often said to withstand earthquakes. But that’s not true everywhere.
“If you feel trembling, the instructions depend on where you are in the world,” said Yeck.
In many countries, including the United States, when they are inside, when an earthquake occurs, it is advisable to fall on the ground, to cover your head – for example by crawling under a desk or other stable structure – and holding this structure, he said. Try to avoid areas near glass windows and do not use any building lifts.
If you are outside, try to stay in an area of buildings or trees that could fall.
Depending on the location, secondary dangers can be triggered by earthquakes such as landslides, fire or tsunamis, he said.
