Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural hazards, posing a significant threat to life and property. India, due to its unique geological setting – lying in a seismically active region influenced by the northward movement of the Indian plate colliding with the Eurasian plate – is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), approximately 59% of India’s land area is prone to earthquakes of moderate to high intensity. Understanding the earthquake-prone zones and implementing effective management strategies are crucial for minimizing the impact of these disasters. The recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria (February 2023) underscores the urgent need for robust earthquake preparedness and mitigation measures.
Earthquake-Prone Zones of India
Based on the seismic intensity, India is divided into four zones by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
- Zone V: The most seismic zone, encompassing areas with the highest risk of earthquakes. Includes parts of the Northeast, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Zone IV: High damage risk zone. Includes states like Delhi, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of Maharashtra.
- Zone III: Moderate damage risk zone. Includes states like Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
- Zone II: Low damage risk zone. Includes areas with relatively low seismic activity.
The seismic zoning map is periodically updated based on historical earthquake data and geological studies.
Strategy for Earthquake Management
1. Pre-Disaster Planning & Mitigation
- Structural Mitigation: Implementing earthquake-resistant building codes and ensuring strict adherence to them. Retrofitting existing vulnerable structures (schools, hospitals, public buildings). Promoting use of ductile detailing in construction.
- Non-Structural Mitigation: Securing furniture and equipment, preventing falling hazards, and ensuring safe evacuation routes.
- Land Use Planning: Avoiding construction in highly vulnerable areas like fault lines and unstable slopes.
- Early Warning Systems: Developing and deploying earthquake early warning systems (EEW) to provide crucial seconds of warning before strong shaking arrives.
- Community Preparedness: Conducting regular earthquake drills, raising awareness about earthquake safety measures, and training local communities in search and rescue operations.
2. Disaster Response
- Rapid Damage Assessment: Deploying trained teams to quickly assess the extent of damage and identify areas requiring immediate assistance.
- Search and Rescue Operations: Mobilizing National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state-level rescue teams to locate and rescue trapped individuals.
- Medical Assistance: Providing immediate medical care to the injured, establishing field hospitals, and ensuring adequate supply of medicines and medical equipment.
- Shelter and Relief: Providing temporary shelter, food, water, and other essential supplies to affected populations.
- Communication & Coordination: Establishing effective communication channels between various stakeholders (government agencies, NGOs, and local communities) to ensure coordinated response efforts.
3. Post-Disaster Rehabilitation & Reconstruction
- Damage Assessment & Needs Analysis: Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage and identifying the needs of affected communities.
- Reconstruction of Infrastructure: Rebuilding damaged infrastructure (roads, bridges, schools, hospitals) to restore essential services.
- Economic Recovery: Providing financial assistance and livelihood support to affected communities to help them rebuild their lives.
- Psychosocial Support: Providing psychological counseling and support to help affected individuals cope with the trauma of the earthquake.
- Learning from Past Events: Conducting post-disaster reviews to identify lessons learned and improve future preparedness and response efforts.
4. Role of Technology
- GIS and Remote Sensing: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies for hazard mapping, damage assessment, and vulnerability analysis.
- Data Analytics: Employing data analytics to identify patterns and trends in earthquake data and improve forecasting accuracy.
- Mobile Technology: Leveraging mobile technology for early warning dissemination, damage reporting, and communication with affected communities.
The National Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides the legal framework for disaster management in India. The NDMA, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are responsible for implementing disaster management plans at the national, state, and district levels respectively.
Conclusion
Effective earthquake management in India requires a holistic and integrated approach encompassing pre-disaster mitigation, disaster response, and post-disaster rehabilitation. Strengthening building codes, investing in early warning systems, enhancing community preparedness, and leveraging technology are crucial steps towards reducing the vulnerability of the country to earthquakes. Continuous monitoring, research, and learning from past events are essential for improving our ability to cope with this inevitable natural hazard. A proactive and resilient approach is vital to safeguard lives and livelihoods in earthquake-prone regions.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.