Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijju has said that the activation of Almora fault is the reason behind the recent seismic activity in northern India and Nepal.
In a statement to Lok Sabha, Kiren Rijiju disclosed that a sequence of earthquakes were initiated by the Almora fault, with primary tremors documented on January 24 (5.8 magnitude), October 3 (6.2 magnitude), and November 3 (6.4 magnitude).
These mainshocks were followed by numerous aftershocks, contributing to an increased frequency of seismic disturbances throughout the year.
Despite the increased activity, the minister highlighted that the background seismicity, representing the typical level of earthquake events in the area, stayed constant in the region including Nepal and the northern part of India. He noted that the region is not new to seismic activities.
The region lies near the active faults of the Himalayan region, where the Indian plate sub-ducts under the Eurasian Plate, which in leads to frequent seismic events.
Recognized as a pivotal geological feature in the western Himalayas, the Almora fault plays a crucial role in the region's tectonics. Stretching from west-northwest to east-southeast and northwest-southeast, this high-angle fault delineates the boundary between distinct geological groups within the lesser Himalayas. The recent activation of this fault has raised concerns regarding regional safety and preparedness.
Addressing the seismic risks, Kiren Rijiju emphasised the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) efforts in releasing the Seismic Zoning Map of India. This map categories regions into risk zones II through V, determined by their respective risk levels.
BIS offers essential guidelines for the construction of earthquake-resistant structures, playing a critical role in minimizing damage during such disasters.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is implementing precautionary measures, which includes earthquake drills, awareness programs, and managing earthquake-related incidents to enhance the region's preparedness and response capabilities.
The impact of recent earthquakes demonstrates the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in these seismically active zones. The November 3 earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.4, resulted in more than 382 aftershocks.