A recent earthquake in Myanmar has caused high-rise buildings in Bangkok to sway violently, sparking widespread concern.
Earthquake Impact
The 7.7-magnitude quake, which struck on March 28, sent shockwaves over 1,000 kilometers away, affecting buildings in Bangkok.
According to Yoshihisa Maruyama, a seismic engineering expert at Chiba University’s Graduate School,
the quake caused some 60-story buildings to sway up to 1.6 meters horizontally.
This level of movement is comparable to what was seen in Tokyo during a major earthquake in 2011.
The Japan Meteorological Agency rated the quake’s impact as a 3 out of 4 on the Long-period Ground Motion Intensity Scale.
The shaking lasted over 5 minutes, with some people reporting water spilling from rooftop pools.
Expert Warning
Maruyama warned that cities with many high-rise buildings should be prepared for long-distance seismic activity.
The incident highlights the potential risks faced by urban areas, even those far from the epicenter.
Experts stress that cities need to be vigilant and prepared for such events,
which can have significant impacts on buildings and infrastructure.