earthquake case study in india

Bhuj Earthquake India 2001 – A Complete Study

Bhuj earthquake india.

Gujarat : Disaster on a day of celebration : 51st Republic Day on January 26, 2001

• 7.9 on the Richter scale.
• 8.46 AM January 26th 2001
• 20,800 dead

Basic Facts

• Earthquake: 8:46am on January 26, 2001
• Epicenter: Near Bhuj in Gujarat, India
• Magnitude: 7.9 on the Richter Scale

Geologic Setting

• Indian Plate Sub ducting beneath Eurasian Plate
• Continental Drift
• Convergent Boundary

Specifics of 2001 Quake

Compression Stress between region’s faults

Depth: 16km

Probable Fault: Kachchh Mainland

Fault Type: Reverse Dip-Slip (Thrust Fault)

The earthquake’s epicentre was 20km from Bhuj. A city with a population of 140,000 in 2001. The city is in the region known as the Kutch region. The effects of the earthquake were also felt on the north side of the Pakistan border, in Pakistan 18 people were killed.

Tectonic systems

The earthquake was caused at the convergent plate boundary between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate boundary. These pushed together and caused the earthquake. However as Bhuj is in an intraplate zone, the earthquake was not expected, this is one of the reasons so many buildings were destroyed – because people did not build to earthquake resistant standards in an area earthquakes were not thought to occur. In addition the Gujarat earthquake is an excellent example of liquefaction, causing buildings to ‘sink’ into the ground which gains a consistency of a liquid due to the frequency of the earthquake.

India : Vulnerability to earthquakes

• 56% of the total area of the Indian Republic is vulnerable to seismic activity .
• 12% of the area comes under Zone V (A&N Islands, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, N.E.States, Uttaranchal)
• 18% area in Zone IV (Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Punjab, Sikkim, Uttaranchal, W. Bengal)
• 26% area in Zone III (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, W. Bengal)
• Gujarat: an advanced state on the west coast of India.
• On 26 January 2001, an earthquake struck the Kutch district of Gujarat at 8.46 am.
• Epicentre 20 km North East of Bhuj, the headquarter of Kutch.
• The Indian Meteorological Department estimated the intensity of the earthquake at 6.9 Richter. According to the US Geological Survey, the intensity of the quake was 7.7 Richter.
• The quake was the worst in India in the last 180 years.

What earthquakes do

• Casualties: loss of life and injury.
• Loss of housing.
• Damage to infrastructure.
• Disruption of transport and communications.
• Breakdown of social order.
• Loss of industrial output.
• Loss of business.
• Disruption of marketing systems.
• The earthquake devastated Kutch. Practically all buildings and structures of Kutch were brought down.
• Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surendaranagar and Patan were heavily damaged.
• Nearly 19,000 people died. Kutch alone reported more than 17,000 deaths.
• 1.66 lakh people were injured. Most were handicapped for the rest of their lives.
• The dead included 7,065 children (0-14 years) and 9,110 women.
• There were 348 orphans and 826 widows.

Loss classification

Deaths and injuries: demographics and labour markets

Effects on assets and GDP

Effects on fiscal accounts

Financial markets

Disaster loss

• Initial estimate Rs. 200 billion.
• Came down to Rs. 144 billion.
• No inventory of buildings
• Non-engineered buildings
• Land and buildings
• Stocks and flows
• Reconstruction costs (Rs. 106 billion) and loss estimates (Rs. 99 billion) are different
• Public good considerations

Human Impact: Tertiary effects

• Affected 15.9 million people out of 37.8 in the region (in areas such as Bhuj, Bhachau, Anjar, Ganhidham, Rapar)
• High demand for food, water, and medical care for survivors
• Humanitarian intervention by groups such as Oxfam: focused on Immediate response and then rehabilitation
• Of survivors, many require persistent medical attention
• Region continues to require assistance long after quake has subsided
• International aid vital to recovery

Social Impacts

• 80% of water and food sources were destroyed.
• The obvious social impacts are that around 20,000 people were killed and near 200,000 were injured.
• However at the same time, looting and violence occurred following the quake, and this affected many people too.
• On the other hand, the earthquake resulted in millions of USD in aid, which has since allowed the Bhuj region to rebuild itself and then grow in a way it wouldn’t have done otherwise.
• The final major social effect was that around 400,000 Indian homes were destroyed resulting in around 2 million people being made homeless immediately following the quake.

Social security and insurance

• Ex gratia payment: death relief and monetary benefits to the injured
• Major and minor injuries
•  Cash doles
• Government insurance fund
• Group insurance schemes
• Claim ratio

Demographics and labour market

• Geographic pattern of ground motion, spatial array of population and properties at risk, and their risk vulnerabilities.
• Low population density was a saving grace.
• Extra fatalities among women
• Effect on dependency ratio
• Farming and textiles

Economic  Impacts

• Total damage estimated at around $7 billion. However $18 billion of aid was invested in the Bhuj area.
• Over 15km of tarmac road networks were completely destroyed.
• In the economic capital of the Gujarat region, Ahmedabad, 58 multi storey buildings were destroyed, these buildings contained many of the businesses which were generating the wealth of the region.
• Many schools were destroyed and the literacy rate of the Gujarat region is now the lowest outside southern India.

Impact on GDP

• Applying ICOR
• Rs. 99 billion – deduct a third as loss of current value added.
• Get GDP loss as Rs. 23 billion
• Adjust for heterogeneous capital, excess capacity, loss Rs. 20 billion.
• Reconstruction efforts.
• Likely to have been Rs. 15 billion.

Fiscal accounts

• Differentiate among different taxes: sales tax, stamp duties and registration fees, motor vehicle tax, electricity duty, entertainment tax, profession tax, state excise and other taxes. Shortfall of Rs. 9 billion of which about Rs. 6 billion unconnected with earthquake.
• Earthquake related other flows.
• Expenditure:Rs. 8 billion on relief. Rs. 87 billion on rehabilitation.

Impact on Revenue Continue Reading

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It is ironical to note that technically speaking, all the five earthquakes listed in Table 2 above fall in the category of "Moderate" having magnitudes between 5 and 6.9 on the Richter Scale. Yet, these were devastating enough due to other aggravating factors such as terrain, soil type, time of occurrence, weak infrastructure and vulnerability of the affected people (Bolt, 1988). We shall present detailed case studies of the two more devastating earthquakes Latur & Bhuj each of which resulted in thousands of deaths. But before that, short descriptions of the other three earthquakes (Uttarkashi, Jabalpur & Chamoli) may be given.

Uttarkashi earthquake

Garhwal Himalayas are well-known for earthquakes of damaging magnitude. According to the seismic hazard map of the country, this region falls under zone IV and V, which are severe most hazard zones (Dowrick, 2003). The region has faced earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 Or more at an average interval of 8 to 9 years. An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 rocked the Garhwal region in the night hours (02.53 h.) of October 20, 1991. The epicenter of this earthquake was near the Uttarkashi town. Widespread damage was reported in the hilly area in the wake of this earthquake. There was a death toll of about 750 with 5000 injured and widespread damage in the districts of Uttarkashi, Tehri and Chamoli. About one lakh houses were damaged-20 percent of them totally. Immediate rescue and relief works were hampered due to severe damage to roads and bridges. The services of Army and Para-military forces were pressed into service to manage the situation. Helicopters were used to reach far-off places. The Government of Uttar Pradesh aided the affected community in cash and kind. Volunteers from NCC and NSS and many NGOs did exemplary relief work Reconstruction projects were funded through HUDCO and IAY.

Jabalpur earthquake

As per the seismic hazard map of India, Jabalpur and surrounding areas  fall under the seismic zone Ill, A magnitude 6.0 earthquake rocked the state of Madhya Pradesh on May 22, 1997 at4:20 AM. in the early morning. The epicenter of the earthquake was located near Jabalpur city. About 40 people lost their lives. One of the important reasons for less number of human casualties was the peak summer season, when most of the people were sleeping outdoors or were already awake in the early morning. This earthquake, destroyed 15000 houses and partially damaged about 3.00 lakh dwelling units. As most of the houses were "Kutcha" or semi Kutcha construction with terracotta-tiled roofs, the damaged houses did not kill many persons.

The Government of Madhya Pradesh along with NGOs assisted the affected community by providing medical help, temporary shelters, food / food items, utensils and clothes etc. In addition, the Government provided financial assistance to the affected community to carry out necessary repair and restoration works.

Chamoli earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck the Garhwal Himalayas on March 30, 1999 at 12:55 AM. i.e. at midnight. Incidentally, this was about 8 years after the Uttarkashi earthquake. The epicenter of this earthquake was near the town of Chamoli. About 100 people lost their lives. Almost 5 lakh people were affected in the Districts of Chamoli, Rudra Prayag and Pauri Garhwal. Very severe damage was reported from the town of Chamoli and surrounding areas. The services of Army and Para-Military Forces were utilized very effectively for search and rescue operations; for clearing the roads, which were blocked due to landslides and damaged bridges and in relief works.

EARTHQUAKE CASE STUDIES

Latur Earthquake, 1993

An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on Richter Scale) struck the State of Maharashtra on September 30,1993 in the early morning at 0 3.54 hours. The epicenter of the earthquake was near village Killari in Latur district. The focal depth of the earthquake was about 15.00km below the surface of the earth. The earthquake was felt over long distances in the adjoining states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka also.

Seismic History of the Region

The region had a seismic history although geologically it was located in a stable continental region (SCR). Village Killari, which was the epicenter of the 1993 earthquake, had earlier also experienced tremors in 1962, 1967 and in 1983. In 1992, enhanced seismic activity was observed when 125 shocks took place between August and October, including one earthquake of magnitude 4.5 on October 18, 1992. Damage to houses took place even due to this earthquake shock of "slight" category. This was because most of the construction was done using locally available stones with only mud plaster to hold them.

Damage due to the Latur Earthquake of 1993

Heavy damages were reported from a localized area of 20 x 20 km around the epicenter. This earthquake is famous for huge devastation of stone houses in the rural areas.52, villages in the districts of Latur and Osmanabad were razed to the ground. In all about 29000 houses were destroyed, while another 170,000 houses received damages in varying proportions. Due to collapse of stone houses about 8000 people lost their lives and 16000 were. injured. Infrastructural damages were also very severe especially in the two worst affected districts of Latur and Osmanabad. School buildings were the worst affected and so were also the buildings of government departments and gram panchayats. Total infrastructural damage was estimated to be of the order of Rs. 22 crores at least.

Rescue and Relief

Response to the post-earthquake management was spontaneous and tremendous. Government of Maharashtra officials including the Chief Minister rushed to the affected area for making on· the spot assessment and to share the grief of, the community. To facilitate the smooth functioning and to avoid distraction of the administrative machinery, the Chief Minister camped in the nearby district. Assistance of Armed Forces was sought in search and rescue operations and to clear the debris. The Armed Forces also helped the civil administration in restoration of emergency services like communication, electricity and transportation systems. Gathering of very large number of sightseers hampered the relief and rescue operations. Death of a large number of people in villages created problems in disposal of dead bodies. Wood was not adequately available in the initial stages. The salvaged wood from the damaged houses was used for cremation of dead bodies. Mass cremations were carried out in open spaces, which created difficult condition for the grief-stricken people in the affected areas.

People in the affected villages were not left even with roofs on their heads. Arrangements for temporary shelters were made in the vicinity of the destroyed villages. Similarly, arrangements for adequate supply of food, and potable water, were made. Army personnel helped the civil authorities in the emergency phase in an effective manner.

The Army succeeded in rescuing about 9000 people from the debris. In this situation, along with the treatment of injured, medical teams were deputed to take up the preventive measures against the spread of disease and epidemics. Provisions were made for temporary relief shelters, which were made up of Gil. (Galvanized Iron) sheeted roofs over bamboo or wooden frames. These shelters were provided to 30,000 (approx) families in Latur and Osmanabad, which were the worst affected.

The response of voluntary groups which came after the earthquake was indeed overwhelming. The immediate response groups mainly comprised local religious bodies and charitable trusts. They responded immediately by undertaking mass feeding programmes and free distribution of essential items such as clothes, utensils and other necessities. Prominent among such organizations were Akhil Maharashtra Jain Singh, Gurudwara Mandal, Seva Bhavi Sanstha and Gurudwara Siddha Peeth. Besides such groups, a number of local and international NGOs sent medical teams and supplies to the site.

Another category of organizations that played a vital role were those involved in developmental activities in different pans of the country. These organizations came forward to help the Government in long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes, the organizations comprised religious and charitable agencies who in turn were provided with financial, infrastructure and research support by a number of private corporate houses, public sector organizations, and research and development agencies.

Rehabilitation of Affected Areas

The Maharashtra Reconstruction project was one of the most comprehensive mitigation projects ever taken up in the country. This earthquake is famous for the efforts of the Government of Maharashtra to rehabilitate the earthquake-affected area on a very large scale. The affected area was spread over 13 districts having more than 2 lakh houses with various levels of damage. After careful evaluation, the Government of Maharashtra rehabilitated 52 villages on new sites. More than 27000 houses were constructed in these villages in three different categories. The houses were allotted to the villagers based on the economic background of the households. The contribution from non-governmental organizations and the private sector was significant in this rehabilitation programme. Newly built villages have all the necessary functional facilities. The houses constructed adhered to the seismic building code requirements. A large number of houses were rebuilt on the old sites as well. Similarly, a very large number of houses were retrofitted and repaired for providing adequate and necessary seismic strength. In all about houses in 2400 villages were rebuilt, repaired or retrofitted.

The Government of Maharashtra launched the Maharashtra Emergency Earthquake Rehabilitation Project (MEERP) with the financial assistance from the World Bank, the Central Government and other donor and bilateral agencies. The MEERP had the following major components: housing, infrastructure, community rehabilitation, economic rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, technical assistance (training and equipment etc.), and miscellaneous/other items. The expenditure pattern on these components was as listed in Table 3.

HOUSING CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR

Under the rehabilitation programme, 49 villages were rehabilitated on new sites with 23000 houses and all necessary infrastructure and amenities. 29,600 houses were reconstructed while 1,80,000 houses were retrofitted, for better earthquake resistance.

Infrastructure

This comprised repair, reconstruction and strengthening of public buildings and other infrastructure including schools, health centers, social service facilities, roads and bridges.

Economic Rehabilitation

This included the replacement and reconstruction on a grant basis, of business losses/ agricultural losses like minor equipment, bullocks, milch cattle, sheep, goats and repair and reconstruction of wells.

Social Rehabilitation

Under this head, provision was made for special facilities and activities to address the needs of the aged, the infirm, women and children affected by the earthquake along with the improvement of various facilities in ali the affected districts. The restoration of various social facilities has been taken up like old age homes, Balika sadans, homes for handicapped and community center’s for women.

Community Rehabilitation

Under this, provisions were made for the cost of works and materials to te-establish essential services with in the affected community.

Technical Assistance, Training and Equipment

Under this, the provisions were for design, supervision and monitoring of project components apart from training, the component also included the development of a disaster management programme for the State of Maharashtra and a seismic monitoring and research programme for the Government of India.

Under MEERP, the Government of Maharashtra was able to establish a disaster mitigation mechanism in the State. A few of the tangible achievements under NIEERP are listed below:

• Establishment of Emergency Operations Centre at Mantralya, Mumbai and the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development & Administration (YASHADA) at Pune.
• District control rooms in all the district headquarters.
• Establishment of communication network comprising wireless and satellite networks for the entire State.
• Disaster Management Information System (DWS), based on Geographical Information System (GIS) with comprehensive information from and at the Block Level.

BHUJ EARTHQUAKE, 2001

A powerful earthquake struck near Bhuj in the Kachchh region of the State of Gujarat on January 26, 2001 at 8:46 a.m. The magnitude of the earthquake was 6.9 on the Richter Scale and the focal depth was 25 km. It may be noted that this was a borderline earthquake between the "moderate" and "great" categories of earthquakes. The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the town of Bhuj in the western-most district of Kutch. The shocks of this earthquake were felt as far as Nepal.

The earthquake affected area lies in seismic zone V, the highest risk zone, as per the seismic zone map of the country. This region had faced severe earthquakes in the past as well.

Some of the major earthquakes of this region are listed in Table 4.

Damage caused by the Bhuj earthquake

The earthquake caused substantial loss of life and property. The initial death toll was reported in the range of more than 20000. About 1,67,000 people received injuries of varying proportions.

As per the estimates, over five lakh houses were damaged and more than three lakhs destroyed. Heavy damages occurred to the infrastructure of health and education sector. About 12000 primary health centers in rural areas were damaged. About 9600 primary schools, 2040 secondary schools and 140 technical education and higher education buildings were damaged due to the earthquake. Heavy damages to rural water supply were reported. Similar type of damage and destruction was observed from the industrial sector as well, where buildings of small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale industries were damaged in big numbers. Infrastructure belonging to cottage industries and handicrafts were also affected. Facilities like roads, telecommunication, and electricity were paralyzed, many cities in Gujarat faced serious damage. Ahmadabad, the biggest city of the State, was devastated although it is about 300 km from Bhuj. Gujarat, being the second most industrialized state in the country, took a heavy beating in terms of adverse socio-economic impacts. The initial estimates put the total loss in Gujarat due to this earthquake at around Rs. 15000 crores.

In fact, the damage would have been much more but for the facts that Bhuj is a less populated area, the earthquake had a deep focus, and it occurred in day time when people were awake and mostly in the open on a holiday. Nevertheless, this was the worst earthquake in the country in recent decades in terms of the dead and injured and also property loss.

RESCUE AND RELIEF

The initial efforts were to restore the essential services like telecommunication, electricity, water supply and law and order in the affected areas. A large number of personnel from various departments were pressed into relief and rescue operations. In all about 36 units of Army Engineers, 34 companies of Paramilitary Forces, over 3000 Police personnel, 2600 Home Guards, 480 engineers, over 120 senior administrative staff and over 11000 other administrative staff were involved in these operations. Medical teams moved from all parts of the country. To coordinate such a huge relief operation, a number of control rooms were established/ reactivated at the State Headquarters and other places.

Response of national and international community was tremendous in providing by sending search and rescue teams and equipment besides relief material.

As Gujarat was having a very well-established industrial sector, number of private industrial houses aided in all possible manner to the State Government in post disaster management. Number of private companies adopted villages for reconstruction and rehabilitation Works as well Gujarat has a very strong NGO network as well. This network has very well-known networks like SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association), which has a presence in all parts of the State. There are other NGOs as well. The NGO networks helped the affected people in restoring confidence, and meeting their demands.

RECONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION

The strategy adopted by the Government of Gujarat for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected areas was based on the following considerations:

• Clear reconstruction strategy with regard to housing
• Revival of the economy and reconstruction of the livelihood options
• Reconstruction of public services
• Community participation and specific role of NGOs and private sector
• Institutional arrangements for carrying out the main objectives of the strategy adopted

To oversee the post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation work, an apex body designated as the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) was constituted in February 2001 under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister with a Central Implementing Group under the Chief Secretary for coordinating activities of various line departments.

The major objective of GSDMA is to undertake social and economic rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected community. This includes the new housing, infrastructure, economic rehabilitation, social rehabilitation and other related programmes. GSDMA was also entrusted to prepare programmes for mitigating losses on account of disasters as strategy for long-term disaster preparedness.

The GSDMA is also required to undertake research study on causes for losses on account of natural disasters and suggest remedial measures to minimize the same.

TSUNAMI GENERATING EARTHQUAKE, 2004

Tsunami (a Japanese word), if translated literally, would mean a harbor wave. It is called so, perhaps because Tsunami is most noticeable in harbors and not on the high seas. Scientifically speaking, Tsunami is a wave-train (a series of waves) generated in a large body of water (sea or ocean) due to an impulsive (sudden) disturbance of the floor (sea bed) that vertically displaces the water column. This sudden vertical displacement can occur due to a massive earthquake or underwater landslide or volcanic eruption or collapse or even the impact of a cosmic body. In most cases, sea bed earthquakes have been the trigger of tsunami waves which have savagely attacked coastlines (not only nearby but thousands of miles across) causing colossal loss of lives and devastating property damage. One such event occurred on 26 December, 2004 in Indonesia due to a massive seabed earthquake of magnitude 8.5+. Later, the United States Geological Survey assigned it the magnitude 9.0-a catastrophic seabed upheaval by any standard. The tsunami generated by this exceptionally powerful earthquake devastated the east coast of India (and Kerala Coast also to some extent). As the impact of a tsunami is as coastal flood, we have already discussed this event from the point of view of floods in the Unit No. 4 on case studies of floods. However, as the flood generating, mechanism is an earthquake, it becomes necessary to present a case study of this recent but very exceptional disaster event from the point of view of earthquake which, as said above, was the genesis of the killer tsunami of 26 December, 2004, which wreaked so much havoc on our east coast.

As said above, the causative trigger was the 9.0 magnitude earthquake with epicenter off the west coast of northern Sumatra in Indonesia. To get an understandable perception of the sudden burst of energy released by this earthquake, it may be stated that it was equivalent to the detonation of  32000 mega tones i.e. 32 x 10 9 tons of TNT. In other words, the energy released was very approximately equal to sudden and simultaneous explosion of 150,000 Hiroshima type atomic bombs. Furthermore, this burst of energy took place at a shallow focal depth of only 10 km.

This earthquake created a rare seismic event called "ringing of the earth like a bell" by generating reverberations of the entire globe. This "ringing" of the earth was calculated to be of the order of one millimeter of vertical motion of the entire earth's surface. Earth's spin rate also seemed to have been affected (made faster forever) due to the imbalance created in the distribution of mass in the globe by the massive displacement of rocks inside the earth due to this earthquake. The Asian map has been permanently altered by the movement of many small islands as much as 20 meters. This earthquake moved the entire big island of Sumatra about 30 meters southwest. According to  the scientists at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad, this earthquake has brought Indonesian territory closer to India by about 10 cm. These all appear to be small figures but these have profound geological, geographical and geodetic significance the full appreciation of which will be studied by scientists all over the world for many years to come.

Now coming to the generation of tsunami by seabed earthquakes, the destructive tsunamis are caused by sea-bed "Subduction Zone" earthquakes i.e. earthquakes occurring in an under-sea subduction zone. A subduction zone is that region where two tectonic plates converge towards each other at speeds of a few centimeters per year. Of the two tectonic plates, one composed of heavier oceanic material subducts (slips below) the other lighter plate of continental material. During this process, the two tectonic plates rub against each other; the lower plate dragging and flexing the upper plate slightly downward. When flexing exceeds the frictional strength of the inter-plate contact, the upper plate rebounds to its original position, thus creating sudden sea-bed displacement resulting in massive displacement of enormous volume of sea water.

The potential energy of vertical displacement gets converted into kinetic energy of horizontal motion because the vertically displaced water mass, acting under the influence of gravity, attempts to  regain equilibrium by spreading out. This horizontal disturbance in the sea propagates outward as a tsunami. This explains basically how a massive sea-bed earthquake creating a sudden vertical displacement (elevation or subsidence) generates a tsunami.

It may be noted that tsunami extends deep down into the seawaters. This means that the crest (top) of a tsunami is just the tip of a very vast volume of seawater in motion. Soon after (within several minutes) of its commencement, the initial tsunami splits into two waves. One travels towards  the nearby coast and is called "Local Tsunami" while the other that travels out to deep ocean is called the Distant Tsunami. The speed of both the tsunami waves depends on the depth of the water traversed and varies as the square root of the depth. Therefore, deep ocean tsunami (distant tsunami) travels faster than the local tsunami. Over the deep oceans, tsunami can attain speeds of 500 to 1000 km ph and therefore, it can travel large transoceanic distances without much loss of energy because the momentum is so great. That is how the tsunami generated by the Indonesian  seabed earthquake of 26 December 2004 hit not only the Indian coast but travelled further on to impact he Somalia coast at a distance of-4500km from the epicenter.

Tsunami Warning

Since it is not yet possible to forecast earthquakes, it is not yet feasible to forecast the genesis of a tsunami. Nevertheless, once a tsunami is generated, it becomes a matter of detecting, evaluating, and forecasting of the wave in the ocean waters. For this, underwater pressure sensors, acoustic i sensors and sea level monitors (in situ or satellite-based) have been tried. Quick processing and evaluation and quick communication have to be built in any tsunami forecasting and warming system. At present the following systems are in operation.

Pacific Tsunami Warning System (26 nations collaborated).

Five Regional Systems (2 in USA and one each in Japan, Russia and French Polynesia).

Local Systems in Japan and Chile.

After the tsunami Disaster of 26 December 2004, India is also working on the establishment of a tsunami warning system.

Lessons Learnt

The biggest lesson learnt from these case studies is that it is not the earthquake that kills people; rather it is the impact of the earthquake (ground shaking or tsunami) which results in building collapse or flood wave that kill or injure the people and destroying the infrastructure and houses in the process. The lingering after effects of an earthquake event create depression, disease, loss of vocation and other socio-economic ill effects both in short-term and long-tern.

Earthquakes cannot be forecast but scientists have delineated the areas according to vulnerability. It has been brought out that India does not have any a seismic region, which means that no part of India is free from the likelihood of occurrence of earthquake. Therefore, the people and authorities all over the country have to be vigilant and prepared to face earthquakes more so in regions with higher chances of occurrence of earthquakes.

First and foremost, the people have to be aware of earthquake risk in their area and they have to learn the basic Do's and Don'ts to be observed before, during and after an earthquake. The houses and buildings should be designed to be quake-resistant and the existing constructions, if not earthquake-resistant, should be retrofitted. In enforcing earthquake resistant building codes, microzonation will be very' helpful arid cost-saver.

The mitigation plans developed by the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat after the Latur and Bhuj earthquakes can serve as excellent guidelines for other vulnerable states.

An earthquake can hit any part of India without notice and cause untold damage to life and property. A sea-bed earthquake can generate tsunami which can create havoc in the coastal areas. The three case studies presented in this research paper deal with three recent but typical cases. The Latur earthquake occurred in a relatively less earthquake-prone area but created so much destruction and deaths primarily because the houses were very vulnerable, being made of stones put together with mud plaster. Construction of quake resistant houses and retro-fitting of the existing houses is the prime need.

The Bhuj earthquake occurred in a highly earthquake prone area. Here also the construction was of poor quality as seen from the fact that even the multistoried buildings in Ahmadabad (300 km from Bhuj) crumbled. This again points to the need of observance of proper building codes. The third case study explained how a sea-bed earthquake can generate tsunami which can devastate coasts thousands of kilometers away from the epicenter. Here the solution lies in detecting the tsunami as soon as it is generated and track it with the aim of warning the vulnerable coasts. There are Tsunami warning systems in operation in other parts of the world although they cannot as yet be said to be perfect. India is also now working on establishment of a Tsunami Warning System for its coasts.

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2001 Bhuj Earthquake, Gujarat: Aftermath & Epicentre

Quick Summary

• The Bhuj Earthquake struck Gujarat on January 26, 2001, killing around 20,000 people, injuring 167,000, and destroying 340,000 buildings.
• The Earthquake severely impacted Gujarat’s Kutch district, damaging infrastructure and buildings, and affecting urban and rural regions, including Pakistan.
• The disaster was caused by stress buildup at the convergent boundary between the Indian and Eurasian Plate.

Table of Contents

The Bhuj Earthquake, or the Gujarat Earthquake, hit the land of Gujarat and surrounding regions on the morning of 26 January 2001 at 8:46 IST. Regarded as one of the most devastating earthquakes in the History of India, the Bhuj earthquake magnitude was 7.7 and claimed around 13,805 to 20,023 lives, leaving another 167,000 injured and destroying nearly 340,000 buildings.

The epicentre (23.6°N latitude and 69.8°E longitude) was located around 9 km southwest of the village of Chobari in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch (Kachchh) District or 20 km from Bhuj. The duration of the earthquake was 90 seconds, but the tremendous shocks for 90 seconds were enough to claim thousands of lives and cause property loss of around $1.3 billion . This event led to significant changes in India’s approach to disaster management, emphasizing the importance of earthquake-resistant construction and early warning systems.

Seismic Zone of Bhuj Earthquake

The Indian subcontinent is prone to earthquakes due to the movement of the Indian plate into Asia. As per reports, nearly 58% of India’s land is vulnerable to earthquakes.

India’s seismic zoning map categorizes the country into four zones: Zone 2, 3, 4, and 5 . Zone 2 is the Low Damage Risk Zone with the least seismic activity. Zone 5, including Bhuj, Kashmir, Western and Central Himalayas, and the Andaman and Nicobar islands, faces the highest seismic activity and is classified as a High Damage Risk Zone. Areas with trap or basaltic rock formations are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes.

Gujarat is located about 300-400 km away from the plate boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. Despite this distance, the region’s tectonic activity is still influenced by the ongoing continental collision along this boundary.

Bhuj Earthquake 2001 Case Study

The Bhuj earthquake of 2001 was one of the most devastating earthquakes in India’s history. The case study on Bhuj earthquake aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the event, its causes, and its impact on the region.

On January 26, 2001, the Indian state of Gujarat was struck by a catastrophic earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.7. The epicenter was near the town of Bhuj, hence the name Bhuj earthquake. The earthquake resulted in the death of more than 20,000 people, injured another 167,000, and caused extensive property damage.

Affected Areas and the Impact of the Bhuj Earthquake

• The epicenter was near Bhuj in the Kutch district, Gujarat, India.
• Tremors were felt throughout Gujarat, impacting both urban and rural regions.
• High-rise buildings in cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar suffered severe damage, with some collapsing entirely.
• Infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities, was significantly affected.
• Villages near the earthquake’s epicenter experienced widespread destruction.
• Many rural areas were largely wiped out due to the intensity of the quake.
• Bhuj, Anjar, and Bhachau, all within the Kutch district, were among the most severely impacted.
• Additionally, the southeastern region of Pakistan also felt the effects of the earthquake.

Causes of the Bhuj Earthquake

• The earthquake occurred at the convergent plate boundary between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate .
• The Indian Plate is moving northwards at a rate of about 5 cm per year and is being subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate.
• This subduction process leads to a build-up of stress along fault lines.
• The stress accumulated along the fault was eventually released in the form of the Bhuj earthquake.

Effects of the Bhuj Earthquake

The 2001 Bhuj earthquake wasn’t just a tremor – it was a catastrophe that left a lasting scar on the region. Beyond the immediate collapse of buildings, the earthquake triggered a devastating chain reaction impacting lives, infrastructure, and the very spirit of the affected communities.

1. Widespread Infrastructure Damage:

• Essential services disrupted: Schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure like roads and bridges were severely damaged or destroyed, hindering access to basic necessities and stalling recovery efforts.
• Loss of utilities: Water supply and electricity lines were heavily compromised, leaving survivors struggling with sanitation and hampered communication.

2. Environmental Impact of the Earthquake:

• Land transformed: The earthquake caused soil liquefaction and landslides, altering the landscape and rendering some areas uninhabitable.

3. Socioeconomic Turmoil:

• Livelihoods lost: With businesses and farmlands destroyed, unemployment surged, pushing communities into financial hardship.
• Displacement and resettlement: Many became homeless, living in temporary shelters and facing challenges in rebuilding permanent residences.
• Economic burden: The earthquake inflicted an estimated $7.5 billion in property damage, impacting both the regional and national economies.
• Health crisis: Lack of clean water and proper sanitation in temporary settlements led to a rise in diseases, straining healthcare resources.

4. Shattered Lives:

• Education disrupted: Schools were forced to shut down, hindering children’s access to education and creating long-term setbacks.
• Mental health impact: Survivors grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experiencing anxiety and depression for extended periods.
• Cultural loss: Historical sites and monuments were not spared, damaging the cultural heritage of the region.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

The 2001 Bhuj earthquake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, caused more than 13,805 fatalities and damaged approximately 340,000 buildings . In response:

• Immediate Aid: The Indian army then moved in and, with the help of the International Federation of the Red Cross, built a temporary hospital at Bhuj.
• Assistance from Organizations: American Red Cross, CARE International, HelpAge India, Oxfam, WHO, Technisches Hilfswerk, and the Department of International Development provided the necessary relief funds in the time of need.
• Reconstruction: Gujarat’s government developed policies that targeted reconstructing homes, restoring public buildings and revamping the economy. This approach took a communal form of relocating individuals or providing for in-situ reconstruction.
• International Support: Numerous countries, like Australia, the USA, Israel, Japan, and China contributed to relief and rescue aid.

Stories from Bhuj Earthquake

The 2001 Bhuj earthquake, a devastating event that claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction, left a lasting impact on the survivors. Akshat Chaturvedi, a witness to this tragedy, has dedicated his life to documenting and sharing the stories of resilience that emerged from the ashes.

Akshat Chaturvedi’s Journey

Akshat Chaturvedi, then a 22-year-old theatre enthusiast, experienced the earthquake firsthand. The devastation he witnessed profoundly affected him, leading him to work with the World Bank’s Disaster Risk Management Program and volunteer with the United Nations.

Stories of Survival

Akshat’s book, “Resilience in Kutch,” showcases the inspiring stories of earthquake survivors. Here are a few examples:

• Haresh Parekh: A photographer who lost his arm, wife, daughter, and son in the earthquake. Despite his immense loss, Haresh’s resilience and positive outlook are evident in his words, “If you worry too much, it only benefits the doctor.”
• Jenab Khoja: A woman who survived the earthquake but lost her husband. Despite her physical injuries and emotional trauma, Jenab found strength in her daughter and rebuilt her life.
• Mayaba: A pregnant woman who faced immense challenges, including a difficult marriage and the loss of her husband during the earthquake. Her daughter’s love and support helped her overcome adversity and find purpose in life.

Lessons in Resilience

These stories highlight the extraordinary resilience of the people of Bhuj. They faced unimaginable hardships yet found ways to persevere, rebuild their lives, and inspire others. Akshat Chaturvedi’s work in documenting these stories serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.

Resilience Reborn: Gujarat’s Earthquake Recovery

The 2001 Gujarat earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, was a devastating event that left an indelible mark on the state. However, the resilience of the people and the effective response of the government have ensured that Gujarat has not only recovered but has also become a model for disaster resilience.

A Resilient Response

The Gujarat government swiftly implemented emergency relief measures to address the immediate needs of the affected population. Healthcare facilities were established, infrastructure was repaired, and essential services were restored.

Building Back Better

Under the leadership of then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the government adopted a “build back better” approach, focusing on sustainable and disaster-resistant reconstruction. This involved implementing innovative strategies and adopting modern technologies to ensure that the rebuilt infrastructure was resilient to future earthquakes.

A Legal Framework for Disaster Management

Gujarat became a pioneer in disaster management by enacting the Gujarat State Disaster Management Act 2003. This act provided a legal and regulatory framework for effective disaster response, risk mitigation, and reconstruction efforts. The act served as a blueprint for India’s national Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure

The Gujarat government rebuilt the District Hospital of Kutch, using the Base Isolation Technique to make it earthquake-resistant. This investment in healthcare infrastructure ensured that the state was better prepared to respond to future disasters.

A Paradigm Shift in Disaster Preparedness

Twenty years after the earthquake, Gujarat has made significant strides in becoming a more disaster-resilient state. The adoption of international frameworks like the WHO Safe Hospital Initiative and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, along with the revision of national building codes, demonstrate the state’s commitment to preparedness and resilience.

Memorial Sites of Bhuj Earthquake

Remembrance of the tragedy is important in acknowledging those who lost their lives and celebrating survivors’ strengths. Various memorials and museums have been built to remember the tragic natural disaster and all the lives lost. Below is a table describing some of these memorial sites:

Trauma Of 2001 Gujarat Earthquake That Lasts To This Day

• Survivors continue to grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
• The event shattered the sense of security for entire communities, leaving emotional scars that are difficult to heal.
• Bhuj, located just 20 km from the epicenter, faced immense destruction. Around 40% of its homes were demolished.
• Swaminarayan temple, a revered site in Bhuj, suffered significant damage.
• Historic forts, Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal were also impacted.
• Across the region, nearly 340,000 buildings were either destroyed or damaged.
• In Kutch district, the earthquake obliterated about 60% of food and water supplies.
• Areas in Gujarat, including Kutch, Surat, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Rajkot, are still recovering.
• Ruined buildings serve as constant reminders of the disaster.
• The earthquake disrupted local economies and led to declining quality of life.
• Eight schools and two hospitals were severely affected.
• Approximately 4 km of roads were damaged.
• Approximately 258,000 houses (90% of the district’s housing stock) were affected

Gujarat Earthquake 2001 Facts

Here are some key Gujarat earthquake 2001 facts:

• Magnitude and Duration: The earthquake had a moment magnitude of 7.7, equivalent to 6.9 on the Richter scale. The shaking lasted for over two minutes.
• Aftershocks: There were thousands of aftershocks recorded in the months following the main quake, some of which were of significant magnitude.
• Damage: The earthquake caused extensive property damage. Over 400,000 homes were destroyed, leaving about 600,000 people homeless.
• Response: The response to the earthquake involved massive rescue and rehabilitation efforts from the Indian government, international agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Long-term Impact: The earthquake had a significant long-term impact on the region. It led to changes in policies related to disaster management and prompted improvements in building codes and practices.

Earthquake Update & Resources

There haven’t been any reports of major earthquakes in Bhuj, Gujarat, India. Fortunately, reliable sources like the Government of India’s Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) haven’t indicated any significant seismic activity in the region.

How to Stay Informed:

• Government Websites: You can visit the official website of the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), Gujarat: https://isr.gujarat.gov.in/ for the latest earthquake reports specific to Gujarat.
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program website provides real-time earthquake information globally: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/earthquakes
• Disaster Management Authority of India: https://ndma.gov.in/
• Ready.gov – Earthquake Preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/ready_earthquake-information-sheet.pdf

The Bhuj earthquake serves as a sad and serious reminder of the devastating power of natural disasters. Architects design earthquake-resistant structures to minimize damage during seismic events. While no building can be fully earthquake-proof, modern engineering aims to enhance resilience. Today, engineers employ advanced techniques such as base isolation and structural vibration control to reduce earthquake-induced forces and deformations while also strengthening structures. Such innovations ensure that buildings not only withstand quakes but also sustain minimal damage.

Also Read:-

Nepal Earthquake 2015: An Overview

The Worst Earthquake in History: A Terrifying Look Back

Along with the Bhuj Earthquake , read the related articles by visiting the above links.

To learn more about the geological causes of the earthquake, you can refer to the bhuj earthquake pdf . Additionally, a news video from 26 january 2001 bhuj earthquake video , showcasing the aftermath of the earthquake .

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many died in the bhuj earthquake.

The Bhuj earthquake, which occurred in 2001, resulted in the deaths of more than 20,000 people.

How strong was the Bhuj earthquake?

The Bhuj earthquake had a moment magnitude of 7.7, which is equivalent to 6.9 on the Richter scale.

What is the cause of Bhuj earthquake?

The Bhuj earthquake was a natural disaster caused by tectonic activities. It occurred at the convergent plate boundary between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

How long did the earthquake last in Gujarat 2001?

The Gujarat earthquake of 2001 lasted for over two minutes. However, there are also sources that mention the earthquake lasted for around 90 seconds or 110 seconds.

What was the strongest earthquake in India?

The Bhuj earthquake, often called the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, struck on 26 January 2001. Bhuj earthquake magnitude was 7.7, it affected parts of Gujarat, especially Bhuj. The earthquake resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths and left over 167,000 injured.

What is the biggest earthquake in the world?

The world’s strongest earthquake ever recorded occurred in Chile on May 22, 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5 (Mw).

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