Earthquakes in Himalayas Threaten Lives and Infrastructure

Source: The post Earthquakes in Himalayas Threaten Lives and Infrastructure has been created, based on the article “Damage control: Adherence to existing regulations can limit the impact of earthquakes” published in “The Hindu” on 10th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Disaster and disaster management.

Context: The article discusses a recent earthquake in Tibet that caused damage and deaths. It highlights the seismic risks in the Himalayas, overdue massive earthquakes, and the need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure and building codes to limit damage in vulnerable regions.

For detailed information on Restoring the Ecological Health of the Himalayas read this article here

Why are earthquakes in the Himalayas dangerous?

1. Tectonic Plate Movements: The Indian plate collides with the Eurasian plate, creating fault lines that store energy.
2. Seismic History: The Himalayas have a history of major earthquakes, like the 2015 Nepal quakes, which killed over 9,000 people.
3. Overdue Earthquake: Scientists warn of an overdue earthquake in the Garhwal-Kumaon range. Data from the last 300 years shows that not all energy in the fault lines has been released. Experts predict a magnitude 8 earthquake in the region.
4. Fragile Infrastructure: Recurrent landslides and glacial lake outbursts damage dams, hydropower projects, and roads.
5. Wide Impact Area: Recent tremors in Tibet were felt in Nepal, Bihar, and New Delhi, highlighting regional vulnerability.

How can we reduce earthquake damage?

1. Build Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure: Follow building codes in the Himalayas and Indo-Gangetic plains to reduce structural damage.
2. Account for Regional Fragility: Consider recurrent landslides and glacial lake outbursts when designing dams, roads, and hydropower projects.
3. Focus on Long-Term Planning: Factor the costs of natural disasters into development plans for the Himalayan region.

For detailed information on NISAR satellite to map Himalayas’ seismic zones read this article here

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons why earthquakes in the Himalayas are particularly dangerous and the measures that can be taken to reduce their impact.