Between ‘quake and bombs

A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, leaving over 1,600 dead, 3,408 injured, and 139 missing, according to military authorities. Also around 30 are feared dead in Thailand. The epicenter, northwest of Sagaing, unleashed widespread devastation, with tremors felt as far as northeast India. India became the first country to swiftly dispatch 40 tons of relief supplies, including NDRF teams and medical personnel. In Myanmar as the affected were hit by a powerful earthquake from below the earth’s surface the military junta launched airstrikes from the sky on civilian areas controlled by anti-junta forces. Reports from Chang-U township, near the quake’s epicenter, confirm attacks by the military, targeting regions already under emergency status. The People’s Defence Force (PDF), a pro-democracy militia, accused the junta of exploiting the disaster to escalate violence-a stark reminder of the regime’s brutality. While Myanmar lies in a seismically active zone, neighboring China and Thailand were spared this time. Earthquakes in the region are not uncommon, but their perceived frequency has surged in recent decades. Experts argue this is partly due to improved detection and social media amplification. However, human activities-mining, dam construction, groundwater extraction, and even nuclear tests-have also contributed to induced seismicity. Studies suggest that 728 earthquakes over the past 149 years may be linked to such interventions. The Myanmar tragedy underscores a dual crisis: natural disaster compounded by man-made violence. As the world extends aid, the junta’s actions betray a callous disregard for human life. The international community must not only assist in recovery but also hold the regime accountable. In an era where both nature and humanity test our resilience, solidarity and justice must prevail. The tragic aftermath of recent tremor serves as a grim reminder that the death toll and injuries may continue to climb. India’s vulnerability to seismic activity cannot be ignored-particularly in the Northeast, a region classified among the world’s six most earthquake-prone zones, alongside Mexico, Taiwan, California, Japan, and Turkey. The recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand serves as a stark reminder for Nagaland-a region no stranger to seismic threats—of the ever-present dangers posed by natural disasters. Thailand, a favored destination for Indian tourists, including many from Nagaland, now raises concerns. The state government must make efforts to locate any Naga citizens in the affected areas and ensure their safe return. This tragedy also underscores the need for proactive disaster preparedness, both abroad and at home. Friday’s earthquake should be a catalyst for stronger safeguards and swift response mechanisms to protect people, wherever they may be. It may be noted that between November 2024 and February 2025, the National Capital Region (NCR) itself witnessed a magnitude 4.0 quake, as reported by the Press Information Bureau. This surge in seismic events has not gone unnoticed by citizens, who seriously wonder whether earthquakes are becoming more frequent. While precise prediction remains elusive, the recurring tremors in recent years point to unsettling tectonic shifts-a silent warning that a major quake may loom on the horizon. The question is no longer if, but when and where. Preparedness must now take precedence over complacency.