Future seismic activity could potentially endanger substantial investments
Rewritten Article:
Bangkok, despite being rather earthquake-unfriendly due to two nearby fault lines, currently faces a minimal risk of a major quake akin to the one that hit Myanmar on March 28, experts claim. However, they warn that these fault lines, dormant for quite some time, could still pack a punch.
At a recent seminar held at Chulalongkorn University, titled "After the Quake: Lessons to Prevention. What We Must Know When the World Shifts," Prof Dr Pennung Warnitchai shed light on three significant fault lines that pose a threat.
These zones include the Kanchanaburi Fault in western Thailand, which could potentially trigger a quake with a magnitude between 7.0 and 7.5. Next, we have the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar, a major north-south fault line to the west of Thailand, with the potential to generate a strong earthquake of up to magnitude 8.0. The third is the Arakan Subduction Zone in the Andaman Sea, capable of producing extremely powerful earthquakes between 8.5 and 9.0, posing the greatest seismic threat to the region.
The incident on March 28 was a result of a slip along the Sagaing Fault, leaving two other fault zones - Kanchanaburi and Arakan Subduction Zone - with the potential to impact the region. Although the probability of either event occurring within the current generation's lifetime is estimated at just 10%, Prof Warnitchai cautioned about the amplification effect of Bangkok's soft soil. This soil can significantly amplify low-frequency seismic waves, notably by up to four times, as they pass through the basin.
Recent seismic activity reveals that quakes from the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar can be felt in Bangkok, causing building damage and casualties. In such scenarios, even moderate to strong quakes originating offshore or across borders could lead to substantial damage in Bangkok.
Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, assures that most buildings in Thailand are designed to withstand earthquakes comparable to the one that hit on March 28. He emphasizes this tragedy serves as an opportunity to update regulations and reassure public confidence in Thailand’s construction standards. Poomipak Julmanichoti, chief strategy officer of Sansiri PLC, reassures that all of their buildings remain structurally safe following the March 28 quake.
Beyond engineering and structural concerns, the seminar highlighted the importance of effective public communication during crises. Assoc Prof Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs raised concerns about the lack of preparedness and emergency response plans, leading to mass panic, especially when misinformation spreads on social media. He emphasized the need for a reliable, centralized warning system that educates the public appropriately and manages information effectively.
In conclusion, although major earthquakes originating in Bangkok itself are unlikely, the city remains vulnerable due to nearby significant fault lines with potential for strong earthquakes and local geology. Upcoming projects by Sansiri PLC will reinforce foundations to ensure soil stability, signaling their commitment to building safety in seismically sensitive regions.
- In light of the potential threat posed by significant fault lines like the Kanchanaburi Fault and the Arakan Subduction Zone, it is crucial to focus not only on reinforcement of structures but also on medical-conditions and health-and-wellness preparations, ensuring that individuals are well-equipped to handle any emergencies caused by earthquakes in Bangkok.
- Given the amplification effect of Bangkok's soft soil and the potential for strong earthquakes originating from fault lines such as the Sagaing Fault, science and health-and-wellness professionals must collaborate to develop comprehensive health strategies during earthquake crises, addressing both immediate medical-conditions and long-term health-and-wellness needs for the city's inhabitants.
