TOPIC : LESSONS FROM TURKEY: HOW TO MAKE INDIA EARTHQUAKE PREPARED

THE CONTEXT: Recently, tremors have been felt in Meghalaya and in the region around Joshimath and Chamoli in Uttarakhand. These events got further intensified in the aftermath of a series of earthquakes in Turkey recently. In this context, the Delhi High Court while hearing a petition, recently asked the state government to file a status report and action plan on the structural safety of buildings in Delhi. The following article intends to explain the catastrophe of Earthquake and analyse India’s vulnerability and preparedness for the same.

UNDERSTANDING THE GENESIS OF EARTHQUAKES

• Earthquakes are the result of sudden movement along faults within the Earth. The movement releases stored-up ‘elastic strain’ energy in the form of seismic waves, which propagate through the Earth and cause the ground surface to shake. Such movement on the faults is generally a response to long-term deformation and the buildup of stress.
• Seismic waves from large earthquakes pass throughout the Earth. These waves contain vital information about the internal structure of the Earth. As seismic waves pass through the Earth, they are refracted, or bent, like rays of light bend when they pass through a glass prism. Because the speed of the seismic waves depends on density, we can use the travel time of seismic waves to map change in density with depth and show that the Earth is composed of several layers.
• The Earth’s outermost layer is fragmented into about 15 major slabs called tectonic plates. These slabs form the lithosphere, which is comprised of the crust (continental and oceanic) and the upper part of the mantle. Tectonic plates move very slowly relative to each other, typically a few centimeters per year, but this still causes a huge amount of deformation at the plate boundaries, which in turn results in earthquakes.

OUTBREAK OF AN EARTHQUAKE

• Observations show that most earthquakes are associated with tectonic plate boundaries, and the theory of plate tectonics can be used to provide a simplified explanation of the global distribution of earthquakes, while some of the characteristics of earthquakes can be explained by using a simple elastic rebound theory.
• What drives the movement of tectonic plates?

Below the tectonic plates lies the Earth’s asthenosphere. The asthenosphere behaves like a fluid over a very long-time scale. There are a number of competing theories that attempt to explain what drives the movement of tectonic plates.

• Mantle convection currents: warm mantle currents drive and carry plates of lithosphere along a like a conveyor belt.
• Ridge push (buoyant upwelling mantle at mid-ocean ridges): newly formed plates at oceanic ridges are warm, so they have a higher elevation at the oceanic ridge than the colder, more dense plate material further away; gravity causes the higher plate at the ridge to push away the lithosphere that lies further from the ridge.
• Slab pull: older, colder plates sink at subduction zones because, as they cool, they become denser than the underlying mantle and the cooler, sinking plate pulls the rest of the warmer plate along behind it.

INDIA’S VULNERABILITY TOWARDS EARTHQUAKES

India is prone to earthquakes due to its geographical location and tectonic activity. India is situated on the Indian Plate, which is moving northward and colliding with the Eurasian Plate. The interaction between these two plates causes frequent earthquakes in the region. Here are some major earthquake-prone zones in India:

• Himalayan Region: The Himalayan region is one of the most seismically active zones in India. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates causes frequent earthquakes in this region. The Himalayan region comprises several states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Northeastern Region: The northeastern region of India is also seismically active due to its location on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The region comprises states such as Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
• Central India: Central India is also prone to earthquakes, although it experiences fewer earthquakes compared to the Himalayan and northeastern regions. The region includes states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.
• Western India: The western region of India is also seismically active, primarily due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea. The region includes states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also prone to earthquakes due to their location on the boundary of the Indian and Burmese plates.

INDIA’S PREPAREDNESS FOR EARTHQUAKES

Nearly 58 per cent of the Indian landmass is vulnerable to earthquakes and the concerns that have been raised by the court need a policy response. The Indian government has taken several steps to tackle earthquakes in India. The government’s primary focus has been on earthquake preparedness, which includes building codes and guidelines, disaster management plans, and public awareness campaigns. Here are some of the steps taken by the government for tackling earthquakes in India:

• Building Codes and Guidelines: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed codes and guidelines for earthquake-resistant construction in India. These codes and guidelines provide a framework for safe and earthquake-resistant building design and construction.
• Disaster Management Plans: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed disaster management plans to tackle earthquakes in India. The plans include measures for early warning systems, search and rescue operations, medical aid, and relief and rehabilitation efforts.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The government has launched several public awareness campaigns to educate people about earthquake safety and preparedness. The campaigns include disseminating information on earthquake-resistant construction, emergency preparedness, and evacuation procedures.
• Seismic Monitoring: The government has established a network of seismic monitoring stations across the country to monitor seismic activity and provide early warning systems. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) operates these monitoring stations.
• Research and Development: The government has invested in research and development to improve earthquake-resistant construction techniques and materials. The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) are some of the institutions working on earthquake-related research and development.
• International Collaboration: The Indian government has collaborated with international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to improve earthquake preparedness and response in the country.

Despite the efforts made by the Indian government to tackle earthquakes, there are several challenges that hinder effective earthquake management and response in the country.

CHALLENGES IN INDIA’S EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Currently, India’s policy on earthquake preparedness operates primarily at the scale of structural details. Guided by the National Building Codes, this includes specifying dimensions of the structural members, columns, beams, etc. and details of the reinforcements that join these elements together.

• National Building Code ignores the buildings that were constructed before such codes were published in 1962. Such buildings form a large part of our cities.
• Further, it assumes infallibility in the processes of enforcement relying only on penalization and illegalities.
• It treats earthquakes as a problem of individual buildings as if they exist and behave in complete isolation from their urban context.

OTHER INHERENT CHALLENGES FOR TACKLING EARTHQUAKES IN INDIA

• Population Density: India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and this poses a significant challenge for earthquake management. The high population density makes it difficult to evacuate people in the event of an earthquake, and it also puts a strain on relief and rehabilitation efforts.
• Informal Construction: A significant percentage of buildings in India are constructed informally, without following proper building codes and guidelines. These buildings are often vulnerable to earthquakes and can cause significant damage and casualties.
• Limited Resources: India is a developing country, and it often lacks the resources and infrastructure required for effective earthquake management. This includes inadequate funding for research and development, limited equipment and resources for search and rescue operations, and insufficient medical facilities for emergency treatment.
• Geological Diversity: India has a diverse geological makeup, which makes it challenging to predict earthquake activity accurately. Different regions in the country have different seismic histories, and this requires tailored earthquake management strategies.
• Lack of Awareness: Despite the public awareness campaigns by the government, many people in India are still unaware of earthquake safety and preparedness measures. This lack of awareness can lead to confusion and panic during an earthquake, making it challenging to implement effective response strategies.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed guidelines for earthquakes in India. These guidelines provide a framework for earthquake management and response, including measures for early warning systems, search and rescue operations, medical aid, and relief and rehabilitation efforts. Here are some of the key NDMA guidelines for earthquakes in India:

• Early Warning Systems: The NDMA recommends the development of early warning systems to provide advance notice of earthquakes. These systems can help authorities to initiate response measures and reduce the impact of earthquakes.
• Building Codes and Guidelines: The NDMA recommends the implementation of building codes and guidelines developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for earthquake-resistant construction. The guidelines provide a framework for safe and earthquake-resistant building design and construction.
• Search and Rescue Operations: The NDMA recommends the establishment of a trained search and rescue team to carry out rescue operations in the event of an earthquake. The team should be equipped with appropriate equipment, including search cameras, rescue tools, and communication devices.
• Medical Aid: The NDMA recommends the establishment of medical facilities to provide emergency treatment to earthquake victims. These facilities should be equipped with essential medical equipment and supplies and should be staffed by trained medical personnel.
• Relief and Rehabilitation: The NDMA recommends the establishment of relief camps to provide shelter, food, and other essentials to earthquake victims. The camps should be located in safe areas and should be adequately equipped to meet the needs of the victims.
• Public Awareness: The NDMA recommends the implementation of public awareness campaigns to educate people about earthquake safety and preparedness. The campaigns should include disseminating information on earthquake-resistant construction, emergency preparedness, and evacuation procedures.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed codes and guidelines for earthquake-resistant construction to mitigate the effects of earthquakes and reduce the risk of casualties and property damage. Here are some preparatory steps and rules for earthquake preparedness in building construction in India:

• Site Selection: The first step in earthquake-resistant construction is selecting a site with low seismic activity. The Geological Survey of India provides maps that highlight seismic zones and help identify areas with high seismic activity.
• Foundation: The foundation is the most critical part of a building, and it should be designed to withstand the forces generated during an earthquake. The foundation should be dug deep enough to reach the hard strata and be wide enough to distribute the load evenly.
• Building Materials: The use of good quality building materials is essential for earthquake-resistant construction. The materials should be able to withstand the forces generated during an earthquake. Bricks, concrete blocks, and reinforced concrete are commonly used building materials for earthquake-resistant construction.
• Building Design: The building design should be such that it can resist the forces generated during an earthquake. The design should incorporate earthquake-resistant features such as cross-bracing, shear walls, and ductile detailing.
• Building Height: The height of a building is a crucial factor in earthquake-resistant construction. The taller a building, the greater the forces it will experience during an earthquake. As a result, high-rise buildings need to be designed with more earthquake-resistant features.
• Non-structural Components: Non-structural components such as glass facades, partition walls, and false ceilings are vulnerable to damage during earthquakes. These components should be designed to withstand the forces generated during an earthquake.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the building is essential for earthquake-resistant construction. Cracks, fissures, and other signs of damage should be addressed promptly.

In addition to these steps, there are specific building codes and guidelines for earthquake-resistant construction in India. The Indian Standard Code of Practice for Design Loads for Buildings and Structures (IS 1893) provides guidelines for earthquake-resistant design and construction of buildings.

BOTTOMLINE:

Policy makers need to understand that buildings exist in clusters and in the event of an earthquake, behave as a system. They collapse on nearby buildings and on the abutting streets damaging buildings that might have otherwise survived and blocking evacuation routes. Earthquake preparedness, therefore, needs to act at the scale of building details as well as that of cities. Moreover, we must think about it in the realm of policy and not just legal enforcement.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Retrofitting Buildings to Seismic Codes:
  • Aim: To create a system of tax-based or development rights-based incentives for retrofitting one’s building up to seismic codes.
  • Such a system of incentives will enable the growth of an industry around retrofitting and will generate a body of well-trained professionals and competent organisations.
• Better enforcement of seismic codes:
  • Ensuring better enforcement of seismic codes through step such as the National Retrofitting Programme launched in 2014.
  • Under the programme, the Reserve Bank of India directed banks to deny loans for any building activity that does not meet the standards of earthquake-resistant design.
• Care contemplation of construction projects:
  • For example, experts from different organisations including the Geological Survey of India, IIT Roorkee, are studying the cause of the sinking, and many geologists have blamed NTPC’s Tapovan-Vishnugad hydroelectric power project for the current disaster.
• Strict policy formulation:
  • After the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the Gujarat government immediately adapted new town planning schemes that widened roads and created routes for evacuation and relief work.
  • Turkish government, in denial of its own responsibility, has arrested contractors for building unsafe buildings.
• Programmes like the ongoing Urban 20 meetings are an excellent opportunity for international knowledge exchange on earthquake preparedness. Further, India should use its G20 presidentship to arouse global attention towards this issue so as to generate collective response measures.

CASE STUDIES

JAPAN

• It has invested heavily in technological measures to mitigate the damage from the frequent earthquakes that it experiences.
• Skyscrapers are built with counterweights and other high-tech provisions to minimise the impact of tremors.
• Small houses are built on flexible foundations and public infrastructure is integrated with automated triggers that cut power, gas, and water lines during earthquakes.
• This has been a result of cultivating an industry around earthquake mitigation and fostering expertise.

SAN FRANCISCO

• It was devastated by an earthquake in April 1906.
• San Francisco implemented policy changes similar to Japan’s.
• The next major earthquake hit in 1989, the city recorded just 63 casualties compared to more than 3,000 deaths in 1906.

THE CONCLUSION: Addressing the issue of earthquakes in India requires a sustained effort from the government, private sector, and civil society. Strengthening building codes and guidelines, establishing early warning systems, developing search and rescue capabilities, establishing medical aid and relief and rehabilitation facilities, and public awareness campaigns are some of the key steps that can be taken to improve earthquake management and response in the country.