Context:

• The massive earthquake that rattled Turkey and Syria has taken over 47,000 lives and left millions homeless. Such major events often trigger the question if another earthquake awaits. According to experts, Himachal Pradesh- Uttarakhand region is prone to such major disaster anytime.

Key Points:

• According to Chief Scientist, National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Dr N Purnachandra Rao, earth’s surface comprises various plates that are constantly in motion. The Indian plate is moving about 5 cm per year, leading to accumulation of stress along the Himalayas increasing the possibility of a greater earthquake.
• The organization has a strong network of 18 seismograph stations in the Himachal Pradesh- Uttarakhand region. The region referred to as the seismic gap between Himachal & western part of Nepal, including Uttarakhand is prone to earthquakes that might occur at any time.
• The Chief Scientist further noted that  a “great earthquake” is inevitable in the Himachal Pradesh- Uttarakhand region region as a lot of stress is building up beneath the surface. However, one cannot predict the date or time of the earthquake.
• The magnitude of the disaster may depend on several factors like geographic area, population, construction quality and others. It has been further stated that an earthquake similar to magnitude of that like in Turkey is likely to occur but one cannot predict the exact date and time.
• Although the region falls over what is a called a seismic gap, the area under the earth is accumulating lot of tension and can only be released through an earthquake.
• Last year, scientists said there is a strong possibility of a major earthquake in the Himalayan region. In this regard, Senior Geophysicist of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Ajay Paul noted that the Himalayas have come into existence as a result of a collision between Indian and Eurasian plates. Due to constant pressure of the Eurasian plate on the Indian plate, strained energy accumulating under it keeps releasing itself from time to time in the form of earthquakes.
• Occurrence of earthquakes due to accumulation of strained energy under the Himalayas is therefore a normal and relentless process. The entire Himalayan region is highly vulnerable to tremors and the strong possibility of a major earthquake is always there.
  
  
  
   

Need to be earthquake ready

• In the wake of the recent earthquake, the need for better preparation to minimise the damage to life and property has been underlined by various research organisations. The constructions should be earthquake resistant, people should be made aware of what can be done by way of preparations before earthquakes, at the time of their occurrence and after they have happened.
• Mock drills should be conducted at least once every year, and according to experts, if these things are done, the damages by an earthquake can be reduced by 99.99 per cent.