Earthquakes

in India - a primer
Earthquake facts:

An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of
energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves
The seismicity or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes
experienced over a period of time
Earthquakes reported by national seismological observatories are measured mostly on the local
magnitude scale, also referred to as the Richter magnitude scale

Earthquakes in India:

India lies at the northwestern end of the Indo-Australian Plate, which encompasses India, Australia,
a major portion of the Indian Ocean and other smaller countries
Three chief tectonic sub-regions of India are the Himalayas along the north, the plains of the
Ganges and other rivers, and the peninsula
India has been classified into different zones indicating the intensity of damage or frequency of
earthquake occurrences
These zoning maps indicate broadly the seismic coefficient that could generally be adopted for
design of buildings in different parts of the country
The Indian seismic zoning is a continuous process which keeps undergoing changes as more and
more data on occurrence of earthquakes becomes available

Seismic Zoning of India

Zone
Zone V

Zone IV

Zone III

Zone II

Damage risk and intensity

Region
(Earthquake Very high damage risk zone - The entire North-east, the Kutch district
areas may expect intensity maximum of
(Gujarat), parts of Himachal Pradesh and
MSK IX or more)
Jammu & Kashmir, and the Andaman &
Nicobar Islands.
(Earthquake High damage risk zone -
Parts of the Northern belt starting from
areas may expect intensity maximum of
Jammu & Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh.
MSK VIII)
Also including Delhi and parts of Haryana.
The Koyna region of Maharashtra is also in
this zone.
(Earthquake Moderate damage risk zone A large part of the country stretching from
- areas may expect intensity maximum of the North including some parts of Rajasthan
MSK VII)
to the South through the Konkan coast, and
also the Eastern parts of the country.
(Earthquake Low damage risk zone -
These two zones are contiguous, covering
areas may experience intensity MSK VI)
parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa,
Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, known as
low risk earthquake zones.

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Seismic Zoning of India

Risk of Earthquakes in India

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Region-wise, major earthquakes in India

Seismic Region
Kashmir & Western Himalayas
Central Himalayas
North East India
Indo-Gangetic Basin & Rajasthan

No of Earthquakes

Return Period

5.0 - 5.9 6.0 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.9 8.0+

25
7
2
1

2.5-3 years

68
200
14

28
128
6

4
15
0

1
4
0

1 year
< 4 months
5 years

Cambay & Rann of Kutch

20 years

Peninsular India
Andaman & Nicobar

31
80

10
68

0
1

0
1

2.5-3 years
< 8 months

Structural Safety
Though it is impossible to predict precisely where and when an earthquake will occur, organizations have
the option of taking a number of steps to mitigate their risk. These measures can put a business in the best
position to be resilient to an earthquake, whether it is its own operations or those of trading partners in an
earthquake zone.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of
Buildings Code of Practice for both government and private agencies to follow. The National Building
Code (NBC) which was first published in 1970 at the insistence of the Planning Commission serves the same
purpose. It has been revised multiple times, with the latest revision in 2005.
Indian standards dealing with Earthquake Resistant Construction:
1. IS 1893 (Part 1): 2002 'Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures: Part 1 General
provisions and Buildings'
2. IS 1893 (Part 4): 2005 'Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures: Part 4 Industrial
Structures Including Stack Like Structures'
3. IS 4326:1993 Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings - Code of Practice
4. IS 13827:1993 Improving Earthquake Resistance of Earthen Buildings - Guidelines
5. IS 13828:1993 Improving Earthquake Resistance of Low Strength Masonry Buildings - Guidelines
6. IS 13920:1993 Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic Forces -
Code of Practice
7. IS 13935:1993 Repair and Seismic Strengthening of Buildings Guidelines
The technology exists to earthquake proof buildings, for a cost. A new building that uses earthquake-
resistant technology is likely to cost 5% to 10% more than one that does not. At a minimum, buildings in
earthquake zones should meet the latest local building regulations.
Risk mitigation for new facilities:

Determination of seismic hazard in the region and development of seismic hazard maps
Development of performance criteria and codes suitable to the culture and economic conditions of
the region

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Development of simple regulations, or best construction practices, for regions where such an
approach may have an immediate impact on seismic safety
Training and education of professionals, technicians and the construction workforce
Target dates for implementation of construction standards recognizing the different levels of
current practice in different countries
Effective building codes and regulations, and rigorous enforcement of these regulations

The following steps can be followed to mitigate earthquake risks for existing facilities:

Determination of the seismic hazard and preparation of hazard maps

Assessment of risk to existing buildings and their contents
Evaluation of the consequences of not taking corrective action
Development and implementation of technical guidelines to improve performance of existing
facilities during earthquakes
Formulation of an action program based on availability of funding, human resources and their
qualifications, existing infrastructure and the operational structure of the community
Prioritization and risk reduction plan implementation, considering financial and human resources
and the role of school buildings in post-disaster emergency management
Monitoring of effectiveness of plan implementation

Earthquake Safety Plan

What to do before an earthquake

Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of
structural defects.
Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling.
Follow BIS codes relevant to your area for building standards
Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, settees, and anywhere that people
sit.
Brace overhead light and fan fixtures.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Secure water heaters, LPG cylinders etc., by strapping them to the walls or bolting to the floor.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and
on bottom shelves.
Identify safe places indoors and outdoors.
Under strong dining table, bed
Against an inside wall
Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy
bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, flyovers and bridges
Know emergency telephone numbers (such as those of doctors, hospitals, the police, etc)
Educate yourself and family members
Listen for emergency information over a battery operated radio
Remain calm. Dont spread rumors. Reassure and help others

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Have a disaster emergency kit ready

Battery operated torch with extra batteries

Battery operated radio
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed)
Candles and matches in a waterproof container
Knife
Chlorine tablets or powdered water purifiers
Can opener.
Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
Thick ropes and cords
Sturdy shoes

What to do during an earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and
a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps that reach a nearby safe place
and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
If indoors:

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and
HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near you, cover your face and head
with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table
or even under a bed.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as
lighting fixtures or furniture).
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a
pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest
safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly
supported, load bearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most
injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the
building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If outdoors:

Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and
utility wires.
If you are in open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly
outside buildings; at exits; and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result
from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

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If in a moving vehicle:

Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings,
trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might
have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris:

Do not light a match.

Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a
last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

What to do after an earthquake:

Keep calm, switch on the radio/TV and obey any instructions you hear on it.
Keep away from beaches and low banks of rivers. Huge waves may sweep in.
Be prepared to expect aftershocks.
Turn off the water, gas and electricity.
Do not smoke and do not light matches or use a cigarette lighter. Do not turn on switches. There
may be gas leaks or short-circuits. Use a torch.
If there is a fire, try to put it out. If you cannot, call the fire brigade.
If people are seriously injured, do not move them unless they are in danger.
Immediately clean up any inflammable products that may have spilled (alcohol, paint, etc).
If you know that people have been buried, tell the rescue teams. Do not rush and do not worsen
the situation of injured persons or your own situation.
Avoid places where there are loose electric wires and do not touch any metal object in contact with
them.
Do not drink water from open containers without having examined it and filtered it through a
sieve, a filter or an ordinary clean cloth.
If your home is badly damaged, you will have to leave it. Collect water containers, food, and
ordinary and special medicines (for persons with heart complaints, diabetes, etc.)
Do not re-enter badly damaged buildings and do not go near damaged structures.

MitKat Advisory Services Private Limited

Mumbai
1/47 Evershine Mall,
Mindspace,
Malad (West)
Mumbai 400064
+91 22 4021 1904/05

Delhi NCR
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Suite# 009, 4 Floor,
Time Square,
Sushant Lok 1
Gurgaon 122002
+91 124 455 9200

Bengaluru
# 127, 2nd Cross
6th Block, Koramangala,
Bengaluru 560095
+91 (80) 2550 3300

Singapore
101 Cecil Street #23-12
Tong Eng Building
Singapore 069533
+65 9222 5030

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