The Hindu Editorial Analysis
19 February 2025
Quakes may well sharpen India’s seismic readiness
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
Topic: GS 1: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes
Context
- India needs to move beyond its complacency regarding seismic risks.
Introduction
- On February 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, killing over 17,000 people.
- The quake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and was followed by a second tremor that caused further destruction.
Fault Lines
- Understanding Fault Lines: Often used metaphorically, but they represent unpredictable geological phenomena.
- Location: Fault lines are located between major tectonic plates that form the earth’s crust.
- Dormancy: These lines can remain inactive for long periods, leading to a false sense of security.
- Awakening: When they do become active, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Nature’s Brewing Tension
- Himalayan Formation: The Indian Plate is pushing against the Eurasian Plate, forming the Himalayas.
- Geographical Impact: The fault line runs along the Great Himalayan Arc, affecting regions in India, Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
- Public Perception: Many see this beautiful region as a leisure destination, unaware of its seismic risks.
- Seismologists’ Warning: Experts indicate that the pressure between the tectonic plates has been building and is likely to release soon.
- Recent Earthquake: On January 7, 2025, a 7.1 magnitude quake hit Shigatse, China, affecting regions in Nepal and Northern India.
In the Media
- Potential Damage: If the recent earthquake had been closer to India, the destruction could have been much worse.
- Need for Action: The media emphasizes the urgency for planning and preparedness.
- Prediction Challenges: Current science cannot predict earthquakes accurately; focus should be on damage mitigation.
- Infrastructure Concerns: Development in the Himalayas must account for seismic risks, including landslides and glacial lake outbursts.
- Building Codes: Adhering to building codes is essential, but recent quakes highlight that compliance alone is insufficient.
- Public Awareness: Social media reflects public fear and concern about earthquakes in the region.
- Government Role: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for calm but emphasized the need for proactive government measures.
- Cost of Preparedness: The financial implications of preparing for earthquakes must be weighed against potential costs of inaction.
Time to Act, and Quickly
- Engineering Regulations: Immediate action is needed to halt projects that could weaken seismic zones.
- Seismic Zoning Maps: New maps should be created to identify and protect vulnerable structures.
- Seismic Insurance: Establish a scheme for building insurance against earthquake damage.
- Cost Assessment: Evaluate costs for disaster response, including rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
- International Collaboration: Work with countries that have expertise in earthquake prediction and building resilience.
Conclusion
- While the situation is serious, India has the opportunity to prepare before a major seismic event occurs.
- With existing institutions like the Ministry of Earth Sciences, there is potential for effective planning.
- The key message: Earthquakes cannot be prevented or predicted, but we can be prepared. The question remains: Is anyone taking action?