Earthquake Preparedness and Fault Lines: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
A significant earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023, registering 7.8 on the Richter scale, causing over 17,000 fatalities. A second tremor exacerbated the destruction. This highlights the unpredictability and destructive potential of fault lines, which lie between major tectonic plates.
Understanding Fault Lines
- Fault lines are volatile and unpredictable, often lying dormant for centuries.
- The Indian Plate presses against the Eurasian Plate, creating the Himalayas, with a fault line stretching from Kashmir to the North East, affecting regions in Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Recent Seismic Activity
- On January 7, 2025, an earthquake of Mw 7.1 hit Shigatse city in Tibet, impacting Nepal and Northern India, with casualties between 126 and 400.
- The Hindu editorial on January 10 emphasized the need for proactive damage control, especially considering infrastructure fragility in the Himalayas.
Infrastructure and Planning
There is a critical need to adhere to existing building codes to limit damage. However, recent quakes in Delhi and Bihar suggest current measures are insufficient. A comprehensive governmental approach is necessary.
Governmental Role and Recommendations
- Foreclose and roll back engineering projects that compromise seismic zones, particularly in zones II, III, and IV.
- Create new seismic zonation maps for protection and possible evacuation or demolition of vulnerable structures, assessing high-risk infrastructures like hydroelectric projects and atomic reactors.
- Introduce a seismic building insurance scheme to incentivize protection against collapse.
- Conduct zone-wise assessments for rescue, temporary sheltering, and rehabilitation costs.
- Collaborate with countries proficient in earthquake anticipation through advanced technologies and consultancy.
Conclusion
Despite the grim outlook, India has the advantage of planning ahead before a major seismic event occurs. Utilizing institutional resources such as the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Disaster Management Authority is crucial for seismic preparedness. The guiding principle is to prepare for earthquakes, as prevention and precise prediction remain out of reach even with modern advancements.
