Earthquake Alert: On March 28 this year, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar, killing at least 2,719 people so far. Tremors also hit neighbouring Thailand, where 17 people lost their lives.
According to scientists, the energy released by the Myanmar earthquake was equivalent to more than 300 nuclear bombs. The earthquake caused the Inwa Bridge to collapse, reducing several major buildings to rubble and burying several families alive.
Experts say the earthquake was caused by a strike-slip fault along the Sagaing Line, a brutal reminder of the Earth’s unpredictable fury. Following the disaster in Myanmar, Japan too has issued a warning of a possible major earthquake in the near future. However, this looming threat is not limited to Myanmar or Japan alone.
Earthquake Alert: Northeastern States of India in the Danger Zone
Experts have warned that India, along with other countries, is at serious risk of a major earthquake. The question is not whether such a disaster will strike India, but when.
For decades scientists have been warning that an earthquake measuring 8 or more on the Richter scale could hit India, wreaking havoc in the northern regions of the country.
Early signs of this possibility are already being seen. According to scientists, future major earthquakes could cause widespread destruction.
Earthquake Alert: Scientist Issues Major Warning
Renowned American geophysicist Roger Bilham has said, “Every century India slips about two metres below the southern edge of Tibet. Unfortunately, the northern edge does not slide so easily.
Instead, it stays stuck for hundreds of years because of friction, and when that friction finally gives way, it springs back up in a matter of minutes. These sudden slips – what we call earthquakes – are the result of that movement.”
Delhi in Seismic Zone IV
It is important to note that more than half of India, about 59%, is vulnerable to earthquakes. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and the entire Northeast fall in high-risk zones. And this danger is not limited to only remote or rural areas.
Big cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata are also built on dangerous fault lines. Delhi, in particular, falls in seismic zone IV. Below it is the Delhi-Haridwar ridge, which is an extension of the Aravalli mountain range.
In such a situation, if a powerful earthquake occurs during the day, it can pose a serious threat to the lives of a large number of people.
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