Cambodia and earthquakes

Last March’s earthquake in Myanmar caused massive destruction, particularly in the Mandalay region and other areas such as Sagaing, Naypyidaw, Shan State and Bago, resulting in a large number of casualties. In Thailand, cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai felt strong tremors, causing panic among residents.

Even in Cambodia, cities such as Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville experienced notable tremors, but no damage was reported. Although the earthquake was far-reaching, Cambodia once again avoided the worst, thanks to the stability of its geological position.

Why is Cambodia less affected by earthquakes?

Cambodia is considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia when it comes to seismic activity. This is mainly due to its position away from active plate boundaries. The country lies within the relatively stable Indochinese tectonic block, where there are no major fault lines or significant crustal movements.

Although Cambodia may occasionally feel tremors from earthquakes in neighboring countries, it is unlikely to experience a powerful and damaging earthquake.

Staying prepared: The role of seismic design

Even if Cambodia is in a low-risk zone, the tragedy in Myanmar is a powerful reminder that preparation is always essential.

With urban development and building density increasing in cities such as Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, the potential impact of even a moderate earthquake could be significant. The construction sector needs to take proactive measures to strengthen the resilience of the country’s urban landscape.

The main recommendations are as follows:

• Adopt earthquake-resistant construction standards, particularly for high-rise buildings, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructures.
• Inspect and reinforce older buildings, especially those built before the introduction of modern building codes.
• Raise public awareness and improve emergency preparedness through drills and education campaigns.

A wake-up call for the region

The earthquake in Myanmar is not just a natural disaster, it’s also a wake-up call for all countries in the region to assess their preparedness and resilience. Although Cambodia is less vulnerable due to its geography, complacency is not an option.

Respecting the power of nature means being prepared – planning ahead, building safely and educating the public. Disaster prevention isn’t just about reacting; it’s about creating a culture of safety that can protect lives and communities when it matters most.

For investors, seismic risk is obviously a factor to take into account, especially when buying property in a high-density city like Phnom Penh. As a real estate agent, we can only recommend buying from experienced developers, such as ULS’s Odom Tower development, which uses quality materials that comply with the latest standards.