The Awesome and Terrifying Power of Earthquakes

When the Earth Rips Open - The Myanmar Earthquake

On May 5, 2024, the ground split apart during a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar and for the first time, a video captured the exact moment a fault ruptured the Earth's surface. It's a chilling reminder of the awesome power that lies beneath our feet, and a stark wakeup call for anyone living near major fault lines like the San Andreas or Cascadia Subduction Zone. Understanding what happened in Myanmar can help us prepare for what could happen closer to home.

Before an Earthquake: Know the Power Beneath You

Understand the Type of Fault:
The Myanmar quake occurred along a strike-slip fault called the Sagaing Fault where two blocks of the Earth’s crust slide past one another horizontally. More specifically, this is a right-lateral strike-slip fault, meaning the opposite side of the fault moves to the right if you’re standing on one side of it.

The Sagaing Fault is part of a transform plate boundary, where two tectonic plates (in this case, the Burma Plate and the Sunda Plate) slide past each other. So while strike-slip describes the movement along the fault, transform refers to the broader tectonic setting.

This type of fault is the same as California’s infamous San Andreas Fault, which also lies on a transform boundary between the Pacific and North American Plates. Both are capable of producing sharp, sudden movements, and in the case of the Myanmar quake, those movements were caught on camera showing the literal tearing of the Earth's surface in real time.

The Energy Involved:
To put things in perspective, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake like the one in Myanmar releases roughly 22 petajoules of energy which is about the same as 5 megatons of TNT. This amount of force is enough to shift entire slabs of rock over distances of several feet in a matter of seconds. Larger quakes, like the ones expected from the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the Pacific Northwest, could release energy on a scale 90-1900 times greater, causing catastrophic damage across entire regions and generate tsunamis over 100ft high. 

Monitor Seismic Activity:
Seismic monitoring tools and apps can alert you to small tremors that often precede larger earthquakes. Staying informed is the first step in preparedness. If you live near a major fault line, such as in California, Oregon, or Washington, being aware of these warnings is critical.

During an Earthquake: Stay Grounded and Protected

Drop, Cover, and Hold On:
The moment the shaking starts, your first priority is to protect yourself from falling debris. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Avoid windows and heavy furniture that might topple.

Expect Aftershocks:
Even after the main quake ends, aftershocks can continue for days or weeks. Treat each one seriously, structures already weakened by the initial quake may collapse with subsequent shaking.

Avoid Fault Zones:
As seen in the Myanmar video, fault ruptures can create dangerous ground displacement and fissures. Avoid open areas where the earth may split, and steer clear of bridges, overpasses, and unstable hillsides.

After an Earthquake: Recover Safely

Inspect and Document Damage:
Check your home or building for structural damage before reentering. Gas leaks, electrical fires, and water line breaks are common hazards. Take photos for insurance claims and contact emergency services if needed.

Reconnect with Loved Ones:
Communication systems may be down. Use pre-planned meeting points and keep a battery-powered radio or satellite communicator in your emergency kit.

Stay Informed:
Monitor updates from geological agencies like the USGS or your local emergency management office. These sources will provide accurate information on aftershocks, road closures, and recovery efforts.

Stay Prepared for Future Quakes

Stock Your Emergency Kit:
Include essentials like water, food, a flashlight, batteries, a whistle, first aid supplies, sturdy shoes, a radio, and copies of important documents. A week’s worth of supplies is a good baseline, especially if you live near major fault lines.

Secure Your Home:
Fasten shelves, secure water heaters, and anchor heavy furniture to walls. Earthquake straps and latches can help prevent injury and damage.

Know Your Risks:
The San Andreas Fault and Cascadia Subduction Zone are both overdue for major seismic events. The San Andreas, in particular, is capable of producing quakes in the magnitude 7–8 range, while a full rupture of the Cascadia zone could result in a magnitude 9.0 megaquake and a resulting tsunami.

The Myanmar earthquake gives us an unfiltered look at how raw and destructive seismic energy can be. For those of us living in earthquake-prone areas, this isn’t just a viral video, it’s a call to action.

Be ready. Stay safe.
Check out our line of earthquake preparedness kits, long-term food storage, and emergency gear to make sure you’re not caught off guard when the ground starts to move. Visit Ready.gov or The Red Cross for more preparedness tips.