Scientists Explain Why Myanmar Quake Was So Deadly

Infographic with a map of Myanmar and neighbouring countries showing the location and magnitude of major earthquakes in the area since 1980 (Credit: AFP)

Experts say that the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on Friday was likely the strongest to hit the country in decades, with disaster modelling suggesting thousands could be dead.

Automatic assessments from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the shallow 7.7-magnitude quake northwest of the central Myanmar city of Sagaing triggered a red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses.