DISASTER MANAGEMENT

EARTHQUAKE IN INDIA

Team Members:
DHANABAL M(20EE013)
DHANUSH M(20EE014)
GOKULNATH S(20EE024)
HAMJATH KHAN (20EE028)
 Introduction

An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden
release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes are
caused by the tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust. These plates are
constantly moving, and when they rub against each other, it can cause the plates to
break or shift. This releases energy that travels through the Earth's crust in the form
of seismic waves.

Seismic waves can be felt on the surface of the Earth as shaking. The amount of
shaking depends on the strength of the earthquake and the distance from the
epicenter. The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus,
which is the point in the Earth's crust where the earthquake starts.

Earthquakes can be measured using a variety of scales, but the most common
scale is the Richter scale. The Richter scale measures the magnitude of an
earthquake, which is a measure of the energy released by the earthquake. The
magnitude of an earthquake is expressed as a number, with larger numbers indicating
more powerful earthquakes.

Earthquakes can cause a variety of damage, including the collapse of buildings

and bridges, the rupture of pipelines and power lines, and the triggering of landslides
and mudslides. Earthquakes can also cause fires and tsunamis.
 Tsunamis are giant waves that are caused by the sudden displacement of a large
volume of water. Tsunamis can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or
landslides. Tsunamis can travel at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour and can reach
heights of up to 100 feet.

Earthquakes are a natural hazard that can cause a great deal of damage and loss
of life. However, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of earthquake
damage, such as building earthquake-resistant structures and developing early
warning systems.

from the conviction that development cannot be sustainable unless disaster

mitigation is built into the development process. Another corner stone of the
approach is that mitigation has to be multi-disciplinary spanning across all sectors of
development. The new policy also emanates from the belief that investments in
mitigation are much more cost effective than expenditure on relief and rehabilitation.
 Earthquakes in India

An earthquake is just the shaking of the ground. It happens naturally. It happens

as a result of energy being released, which makes waves move in all directions.
When an earthquake occurs, the Earth vibrates, producing seismic waves that are
detected by seismographs.

Every day, moderate-sized earthquakes take place. On the other hand, powerful
tremors that inflict extensive destruction are less frequent. Around plate boundaries,
particularly along convergent boundaries, earthquakes are more frequent. More
earthquakes occur in the area of India where the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate
clash. Consider the Himalayan region, for instance.

India’s peninsular region is thought to be a stable area. On occasion, though,

earthquakes are felt on the edges of smaller plates. The 1967 Koyna earthquake and
the 1993 Latur earthquake are two examples of earthquakes that occurred in
peninsular areas. Indian seismologists have divided India into four seismic zones:
Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V.

As can be seen, zones V and IV are assigned to the entire Himalayan region as
well as the states of North-East India, Western and Northern Punjab, Haryana, Uttar
Pradesh, Delhi, and portions of Gujarat. A significant chunk of the peninsular region
is in the low-risk zone, while the northern lowlands and western coastal regions
continue to be in the moderate hazard zone.
 CAUSES OF EARTHQUAKE IN DELHI

Delhi is located on three active seismic fault lines: the Sohna, Mathura, and
Delhi-Moradabad fault lines. However, because Gurgaon is located on no fewer than
seven fault lines, it is the most hazardous area of the Delhi-National Capital Region.
The Bureau of Indian Standards classified the entire country into four separate
categories based on a macro seismic zoning map, with Zone V (high intensity) to
Zone II (low intensity) as the thresholds for severity (low intensity). The Delhi-
Mumbai-Area is a part of Zone IV. Zone II has the least seismic activity, whereas
Zone V has the most. Zones IV and V are referred to as "severe" and "extremely
severe," respectively.

Delhi-National Capital Region's most vulnerable areas

A Ministry of Earth Sciences study on the "seismic hazard microzonation" of

Delhi found that the Yamuna and its flood plain, along with densely inhabited
housing complexes in east Delhi, would be among the areas most severely affected
by an earthquake. The districts along the Yamuna are at greater risk than the Lutyens'
zone, which is home to the Indian Parliament, important departments, and the
residential areas of India's most notable citizens.

Earthquake in Delhi NCR: Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi NCR including

Delhi, Noida and Gurugram on Saturday night as a 5.8 earthquake struck Hindu Kush
region in Afghanistan. Delhi NCR is often hit by earthquake tremors around every
3-4 months.
 An earthquake is caused by tremors due to the movement of the tectonic plates
inside the earth. These plates are deep down inside the uppermost layer of the earth
called the crust. When two blocks of the earth’s surface move against each other, it
causes an earthquake.

An earthquake originates from 'focus', a place inside Earth’s crust. The nearest
place on the surface from a focus is called 'epicentre'. When energy is released at the
focus, seismic waves travel outward from that point in all directions.

India's northern region has the Himalayas which are the newest mountains. The
Indian plate moved towards the Nepalese plate, which led to the formation of the
Himalayas.

The Himalayas lies between North India to Northeast India. India experiences
frequent earthquakes in these regions because this part of India and Nepal are placed
on the boundary (fault zones) of two massive tectonic plates. The collision of the
two plates also made both countries vulnerable to earthquakes.

According to the government of India, a total of nearly 59% of the land mass of
India (covering all states of India) is prone to earthquakes of different intensities.

As per the seismic zoning map of the country, the total area is classified into
four seismic zones. Zone V is seismically the most active region, while zone II is the
least. Eight states and Union Territories are in zone-5 and are at risk of earthquakes
of the highest intensity. The Delhi-NCR region is in zone IV.
 EFFECTS OF EARTHQUAKE IN DELHI

Delhi is located in Seismic Zone IV, which is considered to be a high-risk

seismic zone. This means that Delhi is at an increased risk of experiencing
earthquakes.

The effects of an earthquake in Delhi will depend on the magnitude of the

earthquake and the distance from the epicenter. However, some of the potential
effects of an earthquake in Delhi include:

• Collapse of buildings and bridges: Delhi has a large number of old and
poorly constructed buildings, which are at an increased risk of collapse during
an earthquake.
• Fires: Earthquakes can cause fires by rupturing gas lines or electrical
wiring.
• Landslides and mudslides: Delhi is located in a hilly region, which
means that it is at risk of landslides and mudslides during an earthquake.
• Disruption of essential services: Earthquakes can disrupt essential
services such as electricity, water, and transportation.
• Economic losses: Earthquakes can cause significant economic losses
due to damage to property and infrastructure.

In addition to these physical effects, earthquakes can also have a

significant psychological impact on people. Earthquakes can cause anxiety, fear,
and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Delhi government is taking steps to reduce the risk of earthquake

damage in the city. These steps include:

• Enforcing building codes: The Delhi government is enforcing building

codes to ensure that all new buildings are constructed to withstand earthquakes.
• Retrofitting old buildings: The Delhi government is also retrofitting old
buildings to make them more earthquake-resistant.
 • Raising awareness: The Delhi government is raising awareness among
the public about earthquake safety.

However, more needs to be done to reduce the risk of earthquake damage

in Delhi. The government and the public need to work together to make Delhi a
more earthquake-resilient city.

Here are some more points about the effects of an earthquake in Delhi:

• Loss of life: The collapse of buildings and bridges and other hazards
can cause significant loss of life during an earthquake in Delhi.
• Injuries: Many people can also be injured in an earthquake, either from
collapsing buildings or from other hazards such as falling objects or broken
glass.
• Homelessness: The collapse of buildings can leave many people
homeless, especially if they live in informal settlements.
• Disruption of education and healthcare: The damage to schools and
hospitals can disrupt education and healthcare services.
• Economic hardship: The earthquake can cause economic hardship for
businesses and individuals, due to the damage to property and infrastructure, as
well as the disruption of economic activity.
 PREVIOUS EARTHQUAKES IN DELHI

• In 1956, an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 struck near Delhi, killing over

100 people and causing widespread damage.
• In 1960, another earthquake of magnitude 5.6 struck near Delhi, killing
over 20 people and causing damage to buildings and infrastructure.
• In 2011, an earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck near Delhi, causing
damage to buildings and infrastructure.

The effects of an earthquake in Delhi could be even more severe in the future,
due to the city's growing population and aging infrastructure. It is important for
the government and the public to take steps to reduce the risk of earthquake
damage in Delhi.

Here are some things that individuals can do to prepare for an earthquake in
Delhi:

• Learn about earthquake safety and what to do during an earthquake.

• Develop an earthquake plan for your family and household.
• Identify safe places to shelter during an earthquake.
• Make sure your home is earthquake-resistant by retrofitting.
• Have an emergency kit that includes food, water, first aid supplies, and
other essential items.

By taking these steps, individuals can help to reduce the risk of injury or loss
of life during an earthquake in Delhi.
EARTHQUAKE EFFECTS IN DELHI

Earthquake in Delhi on 26 October 2015

 MITIGATION OF EARTHQUAKE IN DELHI

There are a number of things that can be done to mitigate the effects of
earthquakes in Delhi. Some of these measures include:

• Enforcing building codes: The Delhi government is enforcing building

codes to ensure that all new buildings are constructed to withstand
earthquakes. This includes ensuring that buildings have strong
foundations, flexible frames, and adequate reinforcement.
• Retrofitting old buildings: The Delhi government is also retrofitting old
buildings to make them more earthquake-resistant. This can involve adding
reinforcement to walls and columns, strengthening foundations, and improving
the connection between different parts of the building.
• Raising awareness: The Delhi government is raising awareness among
the public about earthquake safety. This includes educating people about what to
do during an earthquake and how to retrofit their homes.
• Land use planning: The Delhi government is also considering land use
planning to reduce the risk of earthquake damage. This includes avoiding
construction in areas that are at high risk of landslides or liquefaction.
• Emergency response planning: The Delhi government is also developing
emergency response plans to deal with the aftermath of an earthquake. This
includes identifying shelters, evacuation routes, and medical facilities.

In addition to these government-led initiatives, individuals can also take steps

to mitigate the effects of earthquakes in Delhi. These steps include:

• Retrofitting your home: If you live in an old building, you may want to
consider retrofitting it to make it more earthquake-resistant.
 • Having an emergency kit: An emergency kit should contain
food, water, first aid supplies, and other essential items that you will need in the
event of an earthquake.
• Having an earthquake plan: Your earthquake plan should include
knowing where to go for safety during an earthquake and how to contact
emergency services.

By taking these steps, both the government and individuals can help to reduce
the risk of earthquake damage in Delhi.

Here are some additional mitigation measures that can be taken:

• Strengthening infrastructure: The government can strengthen

infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and power lines to make them more
earthquake-resistant.
• Developing early warning systems: Early warning systems can give
people time to evacuate or take other safety measures before an earthquake hits.
• Educating the public: The government and other organizations can
educate the public about earthquake risk and mitigation measures.

By taking these steps, Delhi can become a more earthquake-resilient city.

 FACTORS AFFECTING TO CAUSE EARTHQUAKE

The following factors affect the occurrence of earthquakes:

• Plate tectonics: Earthquakes are most common at plate

boundaries, where tectonic plates are moving against each other. The
movement of these plates can create stress and strain, which can eventually lead
to an earthquake.
• Faults: Faults are fractures in the Earth's crust where plates move
against each other. Earthquakes are more likely to occur along faults, where the
stress and strain is highest.
• Rock type: The type of rock in an area can also affect the occurrence of
earthquakes. Hard, brittle rocks are more likely to break and cause earthquakes
than soft, ductile rocks.
• Fluids: Fluids such as water and magma can also play a role in
earthquakes. Fluids can reduce friction between plates, making them more
likely to slip and cause earthquakes.
• Human activity: Human activities such as mining and fracking can also
trigger earthquakes. These activities can create stress and strain in the Earth's
crust, which can lead to earthquakes.

The following factors can affect the severity of an earthquake:

• Magnitude: The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the amount

of energy released by the earthquake. Larger magnitude earthquakes are more
likely to cause damage.
 • Depth: The depth of an earthquake is the distance from the surface of
the Earth to the epicenter of the earthquake. Deeper earthquakes are less likely
to cause damage on the surface.
• Distance: The distance from the epicenter of the earthquake also affects
the severity of the shaking. The closer you are to the epicenter, the stronger the
shaking will be.
• Local site conditions: The local geology can also affect the severity of
the shaking. Soft, loose soils are more likely to amplify the shaking, while
hard, rocky soils are less likely to amplify the shaking.

It is important to note that earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world, at

any time. However, some areas are more prone to earthquakes than others. For
example, the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a belt of volcanoes and seismic
activity that surrounds the Pacific Ocean, is a highly earthquake-prone region.

Scientists are working to better understand the factors that affect earthquakes.
This knowledge can help to improve earthquake forecasting and early warning
systems, which can help to save lives and reduce damage.
 Conclusion

Earthquakes are a natural hazard that can cause significant damage and loss of
life. They are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, which
creates seismic waves. Earthquakes occur most commonly at plate boundaries,
where tectonic plates are moving against each other.

There is no way to prevent earthquakes, but there are things that can be done
to mitigate their effects. These include enforcing building codes, retrofitting old
buildings, raising awareness about earthquake safety, and developing emergency
response plans. Individuals can also take steps to mitigate the effects of
earthquakes, such as retrofitting their homes, having an emergency kit, and having
an earthquake plan.

Earthquakes are a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being
prepared. By taking steps to mitigate the effects of earthquakes, we can help to
reduce the risk of loss of life and damage.

Investing in research: Scientists are working to better understand the causes of

earthquakes and develop more accurate forecasting and early warning systems.

Enforcing building codes: New buildings should be constructed to withstand

earthquakes. Existing buildings should be retrofitted to make them more
earthquake-resistant.

Raising awareness: The public should be educated about earthquake safety

and what to do during an earthquake.

Developing emergency response plans: Governments and communities should

have plans in place to respond to the aftermath of an earthquake.