What the Myanmar earthquake taught us: Why sonic boom quakes are no longer science fiction

Myanmar's 2025 magnitude-7.7 earthquake revealed 'sonic boom' or supershear quakes, where ruptures travel faster than seismic waves. This phenomenon amplifies ground motion and damage in specific directions, challenging existing seismic risk assessments and building codes worldwide. Experts now urge a reassessment of hazard maps and infrastructure to prepare for these powerful, directional seismic events.