ASeveral districts in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, including Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, were shaken by a moderate earthquake. Fortunately, no deaths or major injuries were reported. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.4, originated in Doda at a depth of 6 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The earthquake caused damage to residential houses, school buildings, shops, government buildings, and a hospital.
The entire Chenab Basin area is located in a high seismic zone. Due to its geographical location, this region is prone to earthquakes and experiences frequent seismic activity. The residents and authorities in the Chenab Basin need to remain prepared and take the necessary precautions to mitigate the potential risks associated with living in a high seismic zone. This includes constructing buildings and infrastructure that adhere to appropriate seismic design standards, creating emergency response plans, and raising awareness among the population about earthquake safety measures. In high seismic zones, it is crucial to follow specific building precautions to enhance the structural integrity of buildings and mitigate the potential risks associated with earthquakes. Proper soil testing and site investigation are necessary to ensure the foundation can withstand seismic forces. Employing seismic-resistant structural design techniques that consider the anticipated ground motion and forces during an earthquake is the proper safeguard. It is important to have a team of well-qualified structural engineers and architects who specialise in seismic design when constructing buildings in high seismic zones.
Disaster response teams play a crucial role in seismic zones. It is vital to maintain and regularly update an inventory of necessary equipment and resources for effective earthquake response and preparedness. The administration should ensure that the disaster response teams promptly assess the damage and identify the needs following an earthquake. This information is essential for prioritising response efforts, efficiently allocating resources, and initiating the recovery and reconstruction process.
Establishing a command centre is a critical aspect of disaster response preparedness in seismic zones. It has been observed worldwide that coordinated efforts in the initial hours of a crisis can make a significant difference in saving lives and rescuing injured individuals. The preparedness of medical teams to respond quickly is of utmost importance, as the absence of immediate medical aid can have fatal consequences. Therefore, the district administration of all districts in high seismic zones needs to ensure readiness for such a crisis, including the establishment of well-equipped and operational command centres. The role of district administration is pivotal in ensuring the safety and well-being of the people in seismic zones. It is the responsibility of the district administration to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with earthquakes. The recent occurrence of multiple small earthquakes in the region should be considered a warning signal. The administration must take immediate action to ensure all precautionary guidelines and drills are conducted to address any vulnerabilities. Although no major damage has been reported this time, it presents an opportune moment to conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas and structures in the district. Retrofit critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility systems, to withstand seismic forces. Based on the assessment, develop appropriate disaster response plans and mitigation strategies tailored to the specific needs of the area.
The administration should actively engage with the community and encourage them to report any visible signs of damage. It is crucial to establish trust and open communication to ensure that all potential risks are identified and addressed promptly. By working collectively and playing an active role, we can better prepare ourselves for any future natural disasters. It is time to seize this opportunity to take all necessary precautionary measures and reinforce our resilience as a community.
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