Myanmar: Experts focus on likely impact of future Yangon quake

The Yangon city seismic hazard assessment project, which aims to develop a sustainable city plan, was launched on February 19. The immediate result of the project will be a hazard map, showing the areas thought to be at greatest risk.

“With hazard and risk maps, the government knows where the priority areas for hazard management are. Hazard management systems, preparedness and emergency response will be possible for all,” said U Myo Thant, a lecturer at Yangon University and secretary of the hazard section of the Myanmar Earthquake Committee. U Myo Thant said the project will identify seismic sources, estimate source parameters and calculate seismic hazards.

Yangon Region Minister for Social Welfare U Myint Thein said the maps would help prepare the city for future disasters. "The maps will show which areas are vulnerable. Based on that information, we can construct earthquake-resistant buildings and make safety preparations such as earmarking open areas where people can gather."