Monday jolt wakes Delhi up to harsh reality

NEW DELHI: Monday morning’s mild earthquake not only rattled the capital but also served a grim reminder that among the four metros, it is most vulnerable.

Earth science experts believe since Delhi falls in the “heavy intensity seismic zone IV” and is also closer to a fault line, it is most vulnerable. Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai fall in the moderate intensity zone III and therefore, are much safer.

“The situation in Delhi is so grim that the government should take necessary steps immediately, said DK Paul, head of earth science department at IIT Roorkee.

 “There are so many badly-constructed houses in Delhi. The problem is so huge, now is the time to take urgent steps. We have urged the government to ensure that new houses are earthquake-resistant and existing structures are retro-fitted,” Paul said.  

The seismic zones were formed, experts say, after analysing 1,200 earthquakes and their intensities in the past 100 years. Proximity to fault lines was also considered.

“Since there is a fault line near Delhi, the city is more vulnerable,” said Anand Arya, national seismic advisor.

According to a study by the Bureau of Indian Standards, 59 per cent of India is vulnerable to moderate to extreme earthquakes.

The agency also realised that nearly 11 per cent of India is prone to very high intensity earthquakes, 17 per cent to high intensity earthquakes and another 31 per cent to moderate quakes.

Areas prone to very high intensity earthquakes are Jammu and Kashmir, north-eastern states, north Bihar and Andaman and Nicobar islands.