Incoming 8.5 magnitude earthquake? Scientists predict a catastrophic seismic event in the Himalayas
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Recent Earthquakes in Northern India Raise Concerns
A series of significant seismic events has rocked northern India in recent days, including the densely populated Delhi-NCR region, a zone not typically associated with frequent earthquakes, leading to heightened apprehension among residents and authorities.
Second Quake in Three Days
Adding to the unease, a second earthquake, registering a magnitude of 5.6 on the Richter scale, occurred on Monday evening, just three days after the initial tremor on November 4, intensifying concerns about the stability of the earth's crust in this region.
Deadly Nepal Earthquake
The recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, which struck on November 4, resulted in a tragic loss of 128 lives and highlighted the persistent vulnerability of the Himalayan region to catastrophic seismic disturbances.
Ongoing Warnings from Scientists
According to a study by Indian seismologists in 2018, seismologists and geologists have continuously issued grave warnings, asserting that a mega Himalayan earthquake, potentially exceeding a magnitude of 8.5, looms on the horizon as a significant seismic threat.
Himalayan Region at Risk
Indian seismologists underscored the vulnerability of the central Himalayas, stretching from Uttarakhand to western Nepal, as a high-risk zone that could experience a catastrophic earthquake at any moment.
Historical Earthquake Comparisons
Drawing grim parallels to past devastating earthquakes, including the 2015 Nepal earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 and the 2001 Gujarat earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7, serves as a haunting reminder of the potential for large-scale destruction.
Geological Data and Satellite Imagery
Researchers have meticulously examined geological data, harnessed Google Earth imagery, and harnessed satellite information provided by India's space agency, ISRO, to meticulously assess the seismic risk and potential impact.
Ancient Mega Quake Evidence
Historical records from centuries ago reveal the occurrence of an immense earthquake, estimated to have had a magnitude ranging from 8.5 to 9, in the central Himalayas during the 14th and 15th centuries, further emphasising the impending risk.
Accumulated Strain and Overdue Earthquake
The relative absence of significant seismic events in the recent centuries suggests a substantial build-up of stress and strain in the region, fuelling concerns that a major earthquake, long overdue, may be imminent.
Urgent Calls for Preparedness
Experts emphasise the critical importance of heeding minor earthquakes as precursors to a looming major seismic event and are urgently calling for immediate actions to enhance earthquake preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and public awareness to mitigate the potential for extensive damage and loss of life in the Himalayan region.
