Vishal Kanojia
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Jammu and Kashmir has experienced 11 earthquakes with a magnitude of 3.0 or higher since the beginning of 2023. The largest earthquake, measuring magnitude 5.4, occurred on June 13, 2023, in the Doda district. Neither fatalities nor injuries were reported. However, compared to other districts, the tremors in the Doda district was of a higher magnitude.
This tectonic activity also has an impact on the Doda district, which is located in eastern Jammu and Kashmir. It is close to the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), a significant fault line that runs along the Kashmir Valley’s southern border. The MBT, which separates the Indian plate from the Eurasian plate, is linked to a lot of seismic activity. The Jammu and Kashmir region has seen numerous earthquakes of various sizes over the years. The release of accumulated stress along the active fault lines causes these earthquakes to happen. Small tremors to large, destructive earthquakes can all occur in the area due to seismic activity.
The devastating earthquake of 2005 was one significant earthquake that had an impact on the area. At least 79,000 people were killed and more than 32,000 buildings collapsed in Kashmir valley. Additional fatalities and destruction were also reported in India and Afghanistan. A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 that occurred close to the area of Kashmir that is administered by Pakistan also had an impact on Jammu and Kashmir. The Doda district was among the areas that experienced significant casualties and extensive destruction as a result of the earthquake.
The earthquake significantly damaged the district’s infrastructure, including the buildings, roads, bridges, and other crucial facilities. Numerous homes and buildings were destroyed or severely structurally damaged, leaving many people homeless and vulnerable. In remote and mountainous areas where the infrastructure was already weak and vulnerable, the effects were particularly severe. Landslides in the Doda district’s hilly terrain were also sparked by the earthquake, which worsened the devastation and complicated rescue and relief efforts. In addition to damaging roads and impeding travel, landslides also increased the risk to the local populations.
Since then, the region has experienced a few minors to moderate earthquakes. The tectonic forces at work in the area are constantly brought to mind by these seismic occurrences. To ensure the safety and well-being of the local population, it is essential to regularly monitor and assess the seismic activity because the frequency and intensity of earthquakes can change over time. The Doda district is situated in a seismically active area because of its proximity to the Himalayan Mountain range. There have been numerous earthquakes of varying sizes as a result of the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. For the local population to be safe and healthy, seismic activity in the area must be closely monitored and understood.
The government works to promote resilience in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and lessen the effects of earthquakes in the area. These actions seek to reduce dangers, improve readiness, and ensure the safety of the general public, which includes to pinpoint areas with a high risk of earthquakes and comprehend the potential effects of these natural disasters in J&K, the government conducts thorough seismic risk assessments. This knowledge aids in creating and enforcing stringent building codes, disaster management strategies, and infrastructure development.
Codes and rules that take seismic design principles into account. To guarantee that structures and infrastructure are constructed to withstand seismic forces, these codes define construction standards and guidelines. The government invests in the creation and upkeep of seismic monitoring networks across J&K and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance. As they provide real-time data for earthquake monitoring, these networks aid in the detection and measurement of seismic activity. People in earthquake-prone areas can receive timely alerts and notifications thanks to the development of early warning systems.
Therefore, the government runs public awareness campaigns to inform people about how to stay safe during earthquakes. These campaigns stress the value of adhering to building codes, emergency response plans, and readiness. The media, community-based organisations, and educational institutions are all involved in raising awareness.
(The writer is the student of Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Media, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jammu)
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