Letters: Preparing for quakes

With reference to the well-timed editorial, "Preparedness for quakes" (April 21), recent heightened seismic activity - there have been at least eight major earthquakes this month alone - indicates the dangers inherent for people living in various parts of the world.

Every such earthquake gives rise to worries despite the advances made by man in science and technology. The editorial cites two examples to prove nature's supremacy over all others. Three major earthquakes in Japan in quick succession and one in Ecuador soon after measured above 7 on the Richter scale that caused extensive devastation and loss of lives. But the danger is far from over.

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Regarding India's fragile position in terms of likelihood of earthquakes, the editorial talks about the most devastating one - the quake that rocked Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas with an intensity of 7.6 on the Richter scale in October 2005 and resulted in 85,000 casualties, besides causing economic losses.

What is more disturbing is that nearly 59 per cent of India is perpetually prone to earthquakes, with vast stretches in the Northeast, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Gujarat falling in the seismically most active Zone V and the bulk of the northern plains, including the national capital of Delhi, are not far behind, being in Zone IV.

The National Institute of Disaster Management recently warned about the impending threat of an 8.2-magnitude earthquake happening anytime in the Himalayan region, where resulting landslides could increase the damage manifold.

Since earthquakes can neither be predicted nor prevented, we have to take all requisite steps to minimise their decimating after-effects. The need of the hour is to strictly follow building codes devised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS); the irony is that we refuse to learn from our past mistakes.

Existing earthquake-prone structures must be strengthened, according to the relevant techniques suggested by the BIS. But in no case should the plan of a new building - whether residential or commercial - be approved without it being certified fully earthquake-compliant.

Life is precious, so we should not willfully compromise on our safety and security. Let us make amends and be prepared to face the inevitable.

Vinayak G, Bengaluru

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