Seismic and Tsunami Observations of Myanmar
Ms. Kyi-kyi Swe (2010-2011 Seismology Course)
Department of Meteorological and Hydrology, Myanmar

1. Seismic Network
Earthquake recording was undertaken at Yangon as early as 1961 and at Mandalay in 1966,
using only then the electromagnetic seismographs with photographic recordings. In 1976, two sets ofJapanese visual seismographs were purchased and each set was installed at Yangon and Mandalay in1977. In 1984 two sets of solar powered visual velocity type seismographs were obtained through theassistance of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). One set of solar powered
seismograph was installed at Sittwe in 1984 and the other was installed at Dawei in 1985. K-2 digitalseismograph, manufactured in USA, was obtained through the assistance of the regional UNESCO
office in New Delhi India in 1995. The relevant software training on interpretation of seismic wave isbeing requested to the UNESCO. For a Strong Motion Network, ten sets of Strong Motion
Accelerographs {ETNA-SI (MOC-02) 3 Channels High Dynamic Range} were kindly donated byOYO Corporation, Japan, through kind sponsorship of World Seismic Safety Initiative (WSSI) in2000. Installation of ten sets of accelerographs at ten stations is completed.
Two sets of Digital Seismographs were donated by the Seismological Bureau of Yunan
Province, People’s Republic of China (YSB) in 2002. Installation at two stations was completed.
These stations are at Yangon and Mandalay in Myanmar. Two sets of Digital Seismograph weredonated by the Seismological Bureau of China Earthquake Administration (CEA) in 2007. These
digital Seismographs will be installed at Myitkyina and Nansam. At present, Nansam Seismological
Station was brought into construction by the Seismological Bureau of China Earthquake
Administration (CEA) in cooperation with our department and Myanmar engineers. In the near future,
construction of Myitkyina Seismological Station will be brought into existence by CEA of China andDMH of Myanmar.
At present, our department has established Multi-Hazard Early Warning system including
Early Warning System for Tsunami after the great Tsunami occurred in Indian Ocean on 26thDecember 2004. Four sets of digital seismograph were installed in D.M.H at Yangon and Mandalay inApril 2003, Myatkyinar and Namm san in 2008, which were donated by Yunnan SeismologicalBureau and China Earthquake Association, People’s Republic of China. Moreover, two sea level tidegauges have been installed at Myanmar coastal area, Mawlamyine and Sittwe, which were donated by
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC).

Figure 1. Seismic Network in Myanmar

2. Tsunami Warning Network
At present, earthquake warnings are issued by the Department of Meteorology & Hydrology(DMH) under the Ministry of transport. DMH is now connecting with UNESCO/IOC and two sea
level tide gauges were installed at Myanmar coastal area, Mawlamyine and Sittwe during July 2006.
Installation at two stations is completed. DMH also communicate with Japan Meteorological Agency(JMA), Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and ASEAN Secretariat office for communication
test of Tsunami Information (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Tsunami Warning Network