No. 18 - 11/2005
29 November 2005

Environment

New capital's fault is Sagaing Fault

According to a map produced by the US Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center, Burma's new military and administrative center in Pyinmana is right on top of what is known as the Sagaing fault system.

The north-south fault line runs across the country through Mandalay, Yemethin, Pyinmana, Toungoo and Pegu before dropping off into the Gulf of Martaban.

Map courtesy: http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/eq_depot/2003/eq_030921/

The dictionary of Environment Words, published by Images Asia, describes 'fault' as a break in the rocks that form the Earth's surface, where one side of the break has moved against the other side and creates an earthquake when the rock breaks in the weakest place. A fault line is explained as a line of weakness in the rocks of the Earth's surface, where earthquakes often happen.

The US Geological Survey takes note of the Magnitude 6.6 quake on 22 September 2003 when three temples and a bridge were reported damaged in Taungdwingyi, 90 km west of Pyinmana. The tremors also caused minor cracks in Bangkok, 530 miles southeast of the epicenter.

Information minister Kyaw Hsan announced on 7 November that the country's military leaders were moving the capital to Pyinmana, 400 km north of Rangoon, as it was centrally located and had quick access to all parts of the country. Five days later, the Mizzima News reported that the new capital had been named Naypyidaw "Royal Capital".