What in the World
What in the World
Myanmar earthquake: Why is it difficult to know the details?
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March 31, 2025
15 minutes
Available for over a year
Myanmar is reeling following a powerful earthquake on Friday. The epicentre was near the second largest city Mandalay, home to about 1.5 million people. According to the government, more than 2,000 people have been killed. The country is already in the midst of a worsening humanitarian crisis and civil war. It’s also ruled by a military junta who control almost all the media. We hear from Soe Win Than, the editor of the BBC’s Burmese service, about why it’s difficult to get all the information.
Tremors were also felt in Thailand - where thousands were evacuated from cracked buildings and at least 20 people have died.
Myanmar is considered one of the world’s most geologically active areas and prone to serious natural disasters. We speak to Stephen Hicks, a seismologist and research at University College London, about why earthquakes are so hard to predict.
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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde