Context

• Natural disasters have long been a part of human history, reshaping landscapes, and societies.
• Among them, earthquakes stand out as one of the most unpredictable and devastating forces of nature.
• The recent seismic activities in Türkiye, Syria, China, and India highlight an urgent need for preparedness and strategic planning.
• Therefore, it is important to examine the impact of earthquakes, the underlying geological causes, the response from the media and government, and the necessary steps for disaster mitigation and preparedness.

The Devastation of Recent Earthquakes

• On February 6, 2023, a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck Türkiye and Syria, leaving at least 17,000 dead and many more injured.
• The destruction was compounded by a second tremor nine hours later, causing further devastation.
• This catastrophe served as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the vulnerability of human settlements built along fault lines.
• More recently, on January 7, 2025, an earthquake measuring 7.1 struck the Tibet Autonomous Region, affecting Nepal and northern India.
• These events highlight the fact that earthquakes are not confined to specific regions but can have widespread consequences.

The Underlying Geological Reasons

• The Collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates
  • One of the most seismically active regions in the world is the boundary where the Indian Plate meets the Eurasian Plate.
  • The Indian Plate is gradually moving northward at a rate of approximately 5 cm per year, pushing against the massive Eurasian Plate.
  • This slow yet relentless collision has been ongoing for millions of years, giving rise to the Himalayan mountain range, the world’s youngest and most tectonically unstable mountain system. However, this process is far from over.
  • The immense pressure generated by this collision continues to accumulate, increasing the likelihood of future earthquakes.
  • Seismologists have long warned that the tectonic stress along this boundary has reached critical levels.
  • This means that at any moment, a significant rupture could occur, triggering a devastating earthquake.
  • The region has already witnessed several major seismic events in the past, including:
    • The 1934 Bihar-Nepal Earthquake (Mw 8.0), which caused widespread destruction and killed over 10,000 people.
    • The 2005 Kashmir Earthquake (Mw 7.6), which struck northern Pakistan and India, killing over 87,000 people.
    • The 2015 Nepal Earthquake (Mw 7.8), which resulted in the deaths of nearly 9,000 people and the destruction of thousands of historical structures.
• The Role of Fault Lines in Seismic Activity
  • The Himalayan region is riddled with fault lines, fractures in the Earth's crust where tectonic stress accumulates.
  • These faults remain inactive for decades or even centuries, lulling people into a false sense of security.
  • However, when the stress exceeds the strength of the rock formations holding the fault together, a sudden slip occurs, causing an earthquake.
  • Some of the major fault lines in the region include:
    • Main Frontal Thrust (MFT) – A major fault that runs along the foothills of the Himalayas, responsible for many of the region's most destructive earthquakes.
    • Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) – Located further north, this fault also plays a significant role in shaping seismic activity.
    • Main Central Thrust (MCT) – A deep-seated fault that accommodates the continued movement of the Indian Plate under the Himalayas.

The Growing Risk, Future Predictions and The Overlooked Danger

• The Growing Risk and Future Predictions
  • What makes the current situation particularly alarming is that the Indian and Eurasian Plates have been in a state of relative quiet for a long time, meaning the stored energy within the faults has been increasing.
  • Seismologists believe that a major rupture could be imminent, releasing this pent-up energy in the form of a powerful earthquake.
  • The recent Mw 7.1 earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region on January 7, 2025, further underscores the region’s seismic vulnerability.
  • Since earthquakes are not confined by national borders, tremors were also felt in Nepal and northern India.
  • This event is a reminder that tectonic forces are constantly at work, and another major earthquake in the Himalayan region is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’
• The Overlooked Danger: Human Activity and Earthquake Risks
  • While tectonic movements are a natural phenomenon, human activities have exacerbated seismic risks.
  • Large-scale infrastructure projects in the Himalayas, such as dams, tunnels, and extensive road networks, can weaken already fragile rock formations.
  • Additionally, deforestation and unregulated urban expansion put more lives at risk by reducing natural shock absorption and increasing the likelihood of landslides following an earthquake.
  • Given these realities, it is imperative for governments and communities to recognise the Himalayan region not just as a place of beauty but also as a seismic hotspot that demands proactive planning and strict safety measures.

Media and Government Response

• The media has played a crucial role in bringing attention to the risks associated with earthquakes.
• While predicting earthquakes remains beyond current scientific capabilities, governments can mitigate damage by adhering to strict building codes.
• However, the seismic tremors felt in Delhi and Bihar on February 17 indicate that merely following existing codes may not be sufficient.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the February 17 tremors, urging citizens to stay calm and take precautions, was a reassuring gesture.
• However, the real responsibility for earthquake preparedness lies with the government, which must implement long-term structural and policy measures.

Necessary Steps for Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness

• Halting Construction That Weakens Earth’s Crust: Infrastructure projects, especially in seismically active zones (II, III, and IV), should be reassessed to minimise disruptions to geological stability.
• Updating Seismic Risk Maps: These maps should guide the protection of vulnerable buildings and the retrofitting of structures such as dams and nuclear reactors.
• Implementing a Seismic Insurance Scheme: Encouraging insurance for earthquake-prone structures can help reduce financial strain during disasters.
• Planning for Rescue and Rehabilitation: Governments should allocate resources for emergency response, temporary shelters, and rehabilitation efforts.
• International Collaboration on Earthquake Prediction and Infrastructure Resilience: Partnering with countries experienced in earthquake preparedness can help India develop better forecasting models and architectural solutions. 

Conclusion

• While earthquakes cannot be prevented or precisely predicted, their impact can certainly be mitigated through comprehensive planning and preparedness.
• The recent seismic activities should serve as a wake-up call for India to strengthen its infrastructure, enforce stricter building regulations, and invest in scientific research on earthquake forecasting.
• With the right measures in place, the country can ensure that when the inevitable earthquake strikes, the damage is minimised, and lives are saved.