1975 Bagan earthquake
The 1975 Bagan earthquake occurred on July 8 at 6:34 pm local time (12:04 UTC) in Bagan, Myanmar. Many important stupas and temples were destroyed. The strongest intensity was felt in the towns of Nyaung-U, Pakokku, and Yesagyo, and in the Myaing townships on the confluence of the Ayeyawady River. Damage was also reported in Chauk and Natmauk townships. It had a magnitude of Mw 7.0 (6.5 mb).
| UTC time | 1975-07-08 12:04:38 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 725977 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 8 July 1975 |
| Local time | 18:34:38 |
| Magnitude | 7.0 Mw(ISC-GEM) 6.5 mb |
| Depth | 157 km (98 mi) |
| Epicenter | 21.48°N 94.7°E |
| Total damage | Ninety‐four major temples extensively damaged |
| Max. intensity | MMI VIII (Severe) |
| Casualties | 2 dead 15 injured |
Art historians rank the archeological treasures of Bagan (formerly called Pagan) with the renowned temple complex at Angkor Wat or with the European artworks of Venice and Florence. The earthquake "irreparably damaged many of the great temples of Bagan, an artistic landmark of Asia and the center of the Burmese national culture." Burma's Director General of Archeology said the earthquake the worst in the last 900 years of recorded history.
The source of the earthquake is still controversial because of uncertainties in the depth information ranging from 84 to 157 km. Subduction and collision of the India Plate and the Burma Plate is ongoing and this earthquake was on the interface of these two plates.