A REPORT ON EFFECTS ON

EARTHQUAKES AND ITS

REMEDIAL MEASURES

Compiled by:
SIDDHARTH SINGH (231ME353)
S3 [Mechanical]

Submitted to:
Dr. DHISHNA PANNIKOT
Associate Professor
School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Management

December 12, 2023

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 Table of Contents

Contents Page No.

1.) Title Page : 1

2.) Introduction : 3

3.) Effects : 3-4

4.) Graphical Statistics : 4-5

5.) Conclusion : 7

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12 December 2023

President
Zila parishad, Qutub vihar
New Delhi 110071

To
The Chief Minister
Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, I.T.O.
New Delhi 110001

Sir
A REPORT ON EFFECTS ON EARTHQUAKES AND ITS REMEDIAL MEASURES

Introduction
This report has been compiled in order to show the after effects of earthquakes and curative
measures, which should be taken in future, to mitigate its impact. Earthquakes are natural
disasters that can cause widespread destruction and have significant socio-economic impacts.
The graphs and data work has been taken from the website of National centre of seismology.
The information that is pertinent, has been systematized here.

Effects
 Tremoring in ground
The primary and most immediate effect of an earthquake is ground shaking. The intensity of
shaking depends on factors such as the magnitude of the earthquake, the depth of its focus,
and the geological characteristics of the region. Severe ground shaking can lead to structural
damage to buildings and infrastructure. In some earthquakes, the ground may rupture at the
surface along the fault line. This surface rupture can cause displacement and damage to
structures, roads, and other infrastructure in its path.
 Secondary Effects
Earthquakes can trigger secondary effects such as landslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction.
Landslides can occur in hilly or mountainous regions, while coastal areas may be vulnerable
to tsunamis generated by undersea earthquakes. Liquefaction, the transformation of soil into a
liquid-like state, can cause buildings and other structures to sink or tilt.

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  Loss of Infrastructure & Human life
Buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure are susceptible to damage during earthquakes.
Poorly designed or constructed structures are particularly vulnerable, and the economic
impact of rebuilding can be substantial. Earthquakes can result in loss of life, injuries, and
displacement of populations. The psychological impact on affected communities can be long-
lasting, requiring mental health support and rehabilitation.
 Environmental menace
Earthquakes can result in loss of life, injuries, and displacement of populations. The
psychological impact on affected communities can be long-lasting, requiring mental health
support and rehabilitation.
 Disruption in everyday life
Earthquakes can disrupt essential services such as electricity, water supply, and
communication networks. The recovery process may be prolonged, affecting the daily lives
of residents and hindering emergency response efforts. Communities may experience social
disruption due to the displacement of populations, changes in community dynamics, and the
breakdown of social structures. Rebuilding social cohesion can be a challenging and lengthy
process.
 Psychological impact
The effects also extend to the psychological and mental health of the affected population.
Trauma, anxiety, and stress can persist long after the earthquake, requiring ongoing support
and mental health services.
 Economic Consequences
The economic impact of an earthquake extends beyond immediate damage. Businesses may
suffer long-term consequences, leading to job losses, reduced income, and a decline in
economic productivity.

Graphical Statistics
A total of 42 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km of
Delhi in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 4 earthquakes per year.

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In the table below you will find the strongest earthquakes that occurred near Delhi since the
year 1900.

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A MAG-6.8 earthquake struck on Oct 20, 1991 02:53, 280 kilometres north-east of Delhi. It
is the strongest earthquake near Delhi in the past 123 years.

Remedial Measures

 Building Codes & Standards

Implementing and enforcing stringent building codes and standards is crucial for earthquake-
prone regions. Buildings designed to withstand seismic forces are less likely to suffer
extensive damage during an earthquake.
 Public awareness & education
Education campaigns on earthquake preparedness and safety measures are essential. Public
awareness can reduce casualties and promote community resilience.
 Steps when an earthquake hit
Protect yourself during earthquake shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. The best way to
shelter in place is to drop, cover, and hold on. When the quake starts, drop to the floor as soon
as you can (it’s easy to get thrown off your feet and injured if you try to run while the
building is moving).
 Retrofitting existing infrastructure
Retrofitting older buildings and critical infrastructure to meet modern seismic standards is
crucial. This includes strengthening foundations, adding bracing, and improving the overall
resilience of existing structures.
 Pre warning system
Since earthquake is a natural phenomenon and do not need permissions to come, we should
be developing and deploying early warning systems can provide valuable seconds to minutes
of advance notice, allowing people to take cover and critical infrastructure to shut down
automatically.
 Land use planning
Careful land-use planning can help mitigate the impact of earthquakes. Avoiding construction
in high-risk areas and adopting zoning regulations can minimize exposure to seismic hazards.
 International cooperation
Earthquakes do not respect national borders, and international cooperation is essential for
sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise in earthquake preparedness and response.

 Social cooperation
If an earthquake hits an area and destroy it completely, the people should understand the
situation and help each other, by any medium.

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 Conclusion
Earthquakes are natural phenomena that demand careful consideration and proactive
measures to minimize their impact. Through a combination of robust building practices, early
warning systems, public education, and international collaboration, societies can better
prepare for and respond to seismic events, ultimately reducing the devastating effects on both
human life and infrastructure. The analysis of earthquake effects reveals a complex interplay
of immediate and long-term consequences, encompassing structural damage, environmental
changes, and socio-economic disruption. As we navigate the complexities of earthquake
aftermath, it becomes evident that the path to recovery extends far beyond immediate relief
efforts. Sustainable rebuilding, coupled with ongoing support for affected populations, is
essential for restoring not only physical structures but also the social fabric of communities.
In the face of these natural forces, it is imperative for governments, communities, and
international organizations to work collaboratively. By fostering a culture of preparedness,
investing in resilient infrastructure, and prioritizing the well-being of affected populations,
we can strive to minimize the devastating impact of earthquakes and build a more resilient
and adaptive society for the future.

Thank You
yours sincerely

XYZ

President
Qutub vihar Zila parishad

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