Burma urged to prepare for earthquakes, tsunamis

The Myanmar Earthquake Committee has warned that the risk exists of a high-intensity earthquake on the Sagaing Fault which could trigger a tsunami along the Burmese coastline, and has recommended that preparations be undertaken.

Speaking at a seminar in Pathein to mark World Tsunami Awareness Day on Sunday, vice-chairperson of Myanmar Earthquake Committee Dr. Yin Myo Min Htwe said, “Ayeyarwady Region is located in Zone 3 of the Sagaing faultline and is most likely to be hit by earthquakes measuring 7 or more on the Mercalli Scale.

“Being a delta region, Ayeyarwady should be prepared for earthquakes.”

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Addressing the audience in Pathein yesterday, Than Soe from the respective directorate within the Ministry of Relief and Resettlement said, “Ngwe Saung and Chaung Tha beaches are located close to mountain ranges, making relocation much easier. Also, hotels on the sites were built to withstand natural disasters.”

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