fbpx

[Solved] Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. 2021

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the earth’s surface, whereas an earthquake hazard is anything related to an earthquake that has the potential to disrupt people’s lifestyles. Earthquake hazards can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including ground shaking, surface rupture, landslide, liquefaction, tectonic deformation, and tsunami.

India’s vulnerability to earthquake-related hazards:

1. According to the BIS, more than 58.6 percent of the landmass is prone to moderate to extremely large earthquakes. After the 1993 Killari earthquake, India revised its seismic zoning system, combining the low-hazard zone, or Seismic Zone I, with Seismic Zone II.

2. Densely inhabited areas, vast irrational buildings, and unmanaged urbanisation all contribute to an increased danger of earthquakes.

3. Because the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located on an inter-plate barrier, they frequently experience damaging earthquakes.

4. Growing reliance on high-tech equipment subject to minor vibrations in industry and academia, as well as subterranean utilities for power, internet, and other services, has increased susceptibility to disruption from relatively mild ground shaking.

5. Earthquake-prone regions in the Himalayan foothills are prone to liquefaction and landslides.

Significant characteristics of major disasters triggered by earthquakes over the previous three decades include the following:

  1. 1993 Latur: 6.2 magnitudes; shallow depth resulted in significant surface damage; reasons remain controversial because to the region’s lack of plate boundaries.
  2. 1999 Chamoli: Landslides, changes in surface water flow, surface rupture, and detached valleys were caused by the thrust fault.
  3. 2001 Bhuj: Associated with the reactivation of a previously undetected fault; Significant loss of life and property as a result of careless construction.
  4. Tsunami of 2004 in the Indian Ocean: Caused by under-water earthquake activity, huge waves overwhelmed coastal areas and islands, resulting in long-term impacts.
  5. 2005 Kahmir: 7.6 magnitude; Created several aftershocks due to significant upthrust of the Indian plate against the Eurasian plate. Disruptions to infrastructure and communication occurred.

India’s susceptibility to a variety of seismic hazards necessitates prudent management and long-term planning. Bhuj’s reconstruction following the 2001 earthquake is instructive.

Leave a Comment