Subject: Disaster Management

India's vulnerability to earthquakes stems from its complex geological setting, with nearly 59% of its landmass prone to seismic activity. The devastating impacts of past earthquakes serve as stark reminders of the nation's seismic susceptibility and the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness.

Vulnerability Profile of India

• Seismic Zonation: India is divided into four seismic zones (II-V), with Zone V being the most vulnerable to earthquakes, covering regions like the North-East, Kashmir Valley, and parts of Gujarat.

• Geological Factors:

  • Location along the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plate boundaries.
  • Presence of active fault lines in the Himalayan arc.
  • Unstable soil conditions in many urban areas increasing vulnerability.

Major Earthquake Disasters in Last Three Decades

Bhuj Earthquake (2001)

• Magnitude of 7.7 on Richter scale.
• Caused economic losses worth $10 billion.
• Led to significant changes in building codes and disaster management protocols.

Sikkim Earthquake (2011)

• Magnitude 6.9.
• Affected multiple states in the North-Eastern region.
• Exposed vulnerabilities in mountain infrastructure.

Nepal Earthquake (2015)

• Severely impacted Northern India.
• Caused damages worth $7 billion in the region.
• Led to strengthening of cross-border disaster response mechanisms.

Recent Mitigation Measures

• Financial Allocation: Government sanctioned Rs 3027.86 crore for disaster mitigation across states.
• Capacity Building: Additional funding of Rs 1115 crore approved for mitigation projects.
• Implementation of National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Project (NERMP).
• Development of earthquake-resistant building codes.

The recurring seismic events in India necessitate a comprehensive approach to earthquake preparedness. The implementation of the National Disaster Management Plan 2019 and adherence to Building Codes 2016 exemplify India's commitment to building earthquake resilience, though continuous updating of mitigation strategies remains crucial for future preparedness.