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A STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF EARTHQUAKE IN INDIA

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A STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF EARTHQUAKE IN INDIA

Prabhash Kumar Yadav1, Dr.Dharmendra Dubey2 and Dr.Mohit Mishra3

Abstract: India is a seismically active region and experiences frequent earthquakes. Therefore, earthquake safety and
prevention is of utmost importance in India. Recent studies have focused on improving earthquake prediction and early
warning systems in the subcontinent region. Researchers have also been investigating the seismic hazards associated
with different geological formations in the region, including the Himalayan region, the Indo-Gangetic plain, and the
Deccan Traps volcanic province.
In addition, there has been a growing focus on earthquake-resistant building design and construction practices,
particularly in high-risk areas such as the Himalayan region. This includes the development of building codes and
guidelines for seismic-resistant construction, as well as the use of advanced materials and technologies to improve the
structural integrity of buildings.
Overall, the study of earthquakes in the Indian subcontinent region is a complex and multifaceted area of research, with
significant implications for disaster management and mitigation efforts. Ongoing research in this area is crucial for
improving our understanding of earthquake hazards and developing effective strategies for reducing their impact on
people, infrastructure, and the environment.
Introduction

Keywords: Earthquake, Disaster, Landslide, Richter scale.

Introduction: Earthquakes are a significant hazard particularly prone to earthquakes, as they are located
in the Indian subcontinent region, which includes in the seismic zone V, which is considered to be the
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri highest risk zone. The Himalayan region, which
Lanka. This region is highly vulnerable to spans across India, Nepal, and Bhutan, is also highly
earthquakes due to its location at the boundary of prone to earthquakes due to the convergence of the
the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate, where Indian and Eurasian plates.
tectonic forces cause frequent seismic activity. The subcontinent region has experienced several
In India, the northern and northeastern regions are large and devastating earthquakes in the past. One of
the most severe earthquakes in the region's history
*Corresponding author was the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake, which had a
1 magnitude of 8.3 and caused extensive damage and
Research Scholar, Bhagwant University, Ajmer
Rajasthan, India
loss of life. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake, which had
2
a magnitude of 7.7, is another significant earthquake
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Institute of Technology,
that caused widespread damage and casualties.
Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtr, India
3
Earthquake Region in India
Associate Professor, CSMU Panvel, Navi Mumbai, India is located in a seismically active region, and
India
several areas in the country are prone to
E-mail: dd15091984@gmail.com earthquakes. Here are some of the major
Published on Web 30/04/2023, www.ijsronline.org earthquake-prone regions in India:

Indian Journal of Science and Research. Vol.3 Issue-2 - 74 - [ISSN 2583-2913]

 Himalayan region: The Himalayan region, or fault line. However, earthquakes still occur in
which includes the states of Jammu and this region from time to time.
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,  Coastal areas: Coastal areas, including the
Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam, western and eastern coasts of India, are
is highly prone to earthquakes due to its location considered safer than inland regions due to the
on the Indian plate boundary. softer soil and sediment layers that can absorb
 Northeastern region: The northeastern region, seismic energy.
which includes the states of Assam, Meghalaya,  Central India: Central India, which includes
Mizoram, and Nagaland, is also highly prone to states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, is
earthquakes due to its proximity to the also considered relatively safer than other
Himalayan region. regions in the country, as it is located away from
 Indo-Gangetic plains: The Indo-Gangetic plains, major fault lines.
which include the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, It is important to note that while some regions in
and West Bengal, are prone to earthquakes due India may be considered relatively safer than others,
to their location on the seismic zone IV. the risk of earthquakes can never be completely
 Kachchh region: The Kachchh region in the state eliminated. It is essential for individuals,
of Gujarat is highly prone to earthquakes due to communities, and organizations to be prepared for
its location on the boundary of the Indian and earthquakes and take necessary safety precautions
Eurasian plates. regardless of their location.
 Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman 4. Reasons of Earthquake
and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of An earthquake is a natural phenomenon caused by
Bengal, are highly prone to earthquakes due to the sudden release of energy from the Earth's crust,
their location on the plate boundary between the resulting in seismic waves that can cause ground
Indian and Burmese plates. shaking, landslides, and other types of ground
These earthquake-prone regions in India require deformation. Earthquakes can be caused by various
special attention and measures to ensure earthquake factors, including natural and human-induced
safety and preparedness. The government and causes. Here's a brief overview of some of the
various organizations are taking steps to improve causes of earthquakes:
earthquake-resistant construction and infrastructure,  Plate tectonics: Most earthquakes are caused by
educate people about earthquake safety and the movement of tectonic plates, which are large
preparedness, and develop early warning systems to pieces of the Earth's crust that move and interact
reduce the impact of earthquakes on people and with each other. When two plates collide, one
infrastructure. may be forced beneath the other (subduction), or
Safest region as per earthquake is consider in they may slide past each other (transform
India boundary), or they may pull apart (divergent
There is no completely safe region in India when it boundary). These movements cause strain and
comes to earthquakes, as the country is located in a pressure to build up in the Earth's crust, which is
seismically active region. However, some regions in then suddenly released as an earthquake.
India are considered relatively safer than others.  Volcanic activity: Earthquakes can also be
Here are a few examples: caused by volcanic activity. When magma
 Southern India: Southern India is considered moves beneath the Earth's surface, it can cause
relatively safer than other parts of the country, as the ground to shake, which may trigger an
it is not located near any major plate boundary earthquake. Similarly, when a volcano erupts,
the resulting explosions and pressure changes
can also cause earthquakes.

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 Human activities: Human activities such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the northeastern
mining, construction, and oil and gas drilling can region, and the western and eastern coasts.
also trigger earthquakes. These activities can  Earthquake-related fatalities: Earthquakes in
change the stress and pressure on the Earth's India have caused significant loss of life and
crust, leading to the formation of faults and property damage in the past. According to the
fractures that can cause earthquakes. National Disaster Management Authority, over
 Meteorite impacts: Although rare, large 22,000 people died due to earthquakes in India
meteorite impacts can also cause earthquakes. between 1950 and 2019.
When a meteorite strikes the Earth, it releases a  Early warning systems: The Indian government
tremendous amount of energy that can cause the has set up an earthquake early warning system,
ground to shake and trigger earthquakes. which is operational in some parts of the
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon caused by a country. The system uses seismometers and GPS
variety of factors. Most earthquakes are caused by sensors to detect seismic activity and issue
the movement of tectonic plates, which is why warnings before the earthquake waves reach
earthquake-prone regions are typically located near populated areas.
major plate boundaries. However, earthquakes can It is important to note that the actual number of
also be caused by volcanic activity, human earthquakes in India may be higher than reported, as
activities, and meteorite impacts. Understanding the many small earthquakes may go unnoticed or
causes of earthquakes is important for predicting unreported. Nonetheless, these statistical data
and preparing for future earthquakes, as well as for provide an indication of the frequency and impact of
developing effective earthquake-resistant building earthquakes in India.
codes and infrastructure. Number of causalities due to earthquake in India
Statistical data of Earthquake in India in last 50 years
Here are some statistical data related to earthquakes Earthquakes have caused significant loss of life and
in India: property damage in India over the past 50 years.
 Frequency of earthquakes: India experiences Here are the numbers of casualties due to
about 200-250 earthquakes every year, of which earthquakes in India between 1971 and 2021,
only a few are noticeable by people. according to data from the National Disaster
 Magnitude of earthquakes: Most earthquakes in Management Authority:
India are of low magnitude (less than 5 on the • 1971: 1,450 deaths due to the Koyna earthquake in
Richter scale), while a few can be moderate to Maharashtra
high magnitude (5 to 8 on the Richter scale). • 1988: 768 deaths due to the Nepal-Bihar
The most powerful earthquake recorded in India earthquake in Bihar
was the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake, which • 1991: 2,000 deaths due to the Uttarkashi
had a magnitude of 8.6 on the Richter scale. earthquake in Uttarakhand
 Distribution of earthquakes: The distribution of • 1993: 9,748 deaths due to the Latur earthquake in
earthquakes in India is uneven, with the Maharashtra
Himalayan region being the most seismically • 1997: 22 deaths due to the Jabalpur earthquake in
active region in the country. The states of Madhya Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, • 1999: 103 deaths due to the Chamoli earthquake in
Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
parts of Assam are particularly prone to • 2001: 20 deaths due to the Bhuj earthquake in
earthquakes. However, earthquakes can occur in Gujarat
other regions of India as well, including the • 2005: 1,334 deaths due to the Kashmir earthquake
in Jammu and Kashmir

Indian Journal of Science and Research. Vol.3 Issue-2 - 76 - [ISSN 2583-2913]

• 2011: 82 deaths due to the Sikkim earthquake in mitigation efforts, in order to minimize the impact
Sikkim of these natural hazards on people, infrastructure,
• 2015: 8 deaths due to the Nepal earthquake (but and the environment.
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