"The Natural Disasters, like “The Sumatra Tsunami” had taught us before -BUT"U Than MyintPresidentMyanmar Engineering Society

Present Day Regional Tectonic Setting of South East Asia

Tsunami-generated earthquakes on the historic records in the Indian Ocean

FAULTSIN

MYANMAR

Myanmar HistorySeismotectonic processes in the Myanmar region are very complex.This region accommodates the large strike-slip movement of India with respect to Southeast Asia.At least nineteen earthquakes of Ms > 7 have occurred in the region. The great Arakan earthquake of 1762 caused extensive changes in the level of the Myanmar coast.The 1878 earthquake caused uplift of 6 m on the west coast of Ramree island, while another island seems to have disappeared.Another event in 1843 was associated with the eruption of mud volcanoes.

Seismicity of MyanmarMyanmar has suffered from more than 20 large earthquakes during the last 200 years.Seismic monitoring and seismic zoning in Myanmar is in the beginning stage.There are four seismic stations in Myanmar and more are planned in the near future.There are 10 strong motion stations and two digital seismograph stationsThus, there is a pressing need to prepare national seismic hazard maps for earthquake-resistant building design and construction.The current seismic hazard map of Myanmar is based on historical seismicity

22 September 2003 TaungdwingyiEarthquake (Mw = 6.8)

Monastery

Briefing Hall and Primary School

22 September 2003 TaungdwingyiEarthquake (Mw = 6.8)

Public discussion on earthquakes and warning for after shocks

22 September 2003 TaungdwingyiEarthquake (Mw = 6.8)

Liquefaction and ground failures

Public utility damage

26-Dec-2004,The Sumatra Tsunami effected area of Myanmar

Southern Coastal Area of Myanmar

On 26 December 2004, tsunami affected on some Myanmar coastal areas

Photo

Boat hit the bridge

Tsunami cut the house half

Who live on the razor's edge?

Ayeyarwaddy Deltaic Area

TSUNAMI: Salon and Salonlay islands, YwatharyarVillage and Dolphin Club

Salon Is

Salonlay Is

Chaungwa

Thirimyaing Q

Myoma Jetty

Palautonton

Labutta TownshipPyinsalu TownHtanpingone (KabyetThaung) VillageLeyyinkwin (Airfield) VillageThitpoke VillageAung Hlaing VillageKaingthaung Village

Tsunami affected area: AyeyarwaddyDelta and Location of survey localities in March 2005

Natural Disaster had taught us ,BUT -As time goes by

The people pass over that shock events on the historic records.There was lack of education that makes culture and awareness of natural disaster like earthquakes and tsunamiThe was limited technological foresight

What are the main issues to overcome this situation?

Poverty reduction,Education and socio-economic development

Technology development, and infrastructure improvement, etc.This suggests the different approach to solve the problem of earthquake and related disaster from the countries around the Circum-pacific rim to those of the Indian Ocean Region, from the developed to the developing countries.

Developing countries’ needsScience and Technology play an important role for the mitigation of disasters. To learn and to precede socio-economic development, science and technology development and awareness.To make use of the lessons given by nature, developing countriesneed cooperation of developed countries in Science and Technology Development.Developing countries also need to use their own capacity for overcoming the natural disasters.To develop "disaster preparedness-oriented culture" and education are the area developing countries can do their own.Education and awareness of Government and citizens play most important part of all.

Strategy for mitigation of natural hazards in Myanmar

To prepare natural hazard index mapsTo develop building code and enforcementTo plan for and to implement the emergency responseTo set up education ,research and training programs

What We Need NowWe need to study geotectonic settings of Myanmar in more detail for improving our Earthquake Zoning Map, Hazard Maps, Tsunami also. We need to develop local scientists and engineers in cooperation with international institutions. Need to set up Seismic Stations and NetworksWe need to develop our own Earthquake Resistant Design Code which is under development stage and training for Structural Engineers in Earthquake Engineering.Tsunami knowledge is also limited –we need more training .We need cooperation from International Organizations and other friends in our Seismic and Tsunami Hazard Reduction Program.

Thank You