Delhi Earthquake: Nature’s fury has once again unleashed, this time in the Delhi NCR region and neighbouring parts of northern India on the night of March 21, 2023, around 10:20 pm. Residents in various places were seen rushing out of their houses and high-rises in panic.
6.6 magnitude quake on Richter scale
The impact of this brief but jarring quake led to a temporary disruption of mobile phone services in some parts of the Jammu region.
In Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, at least five members of a family were injured after the roof of their house collapsed, a report said.
A building was also suspected to have tilted in the Shakarpur area of Delhi. However, it was found to be safe and intact after an inspection by the fire brigade.
The Noida police have set up a toll-free hotline to provide logistical help to people in view of the situation.
Why so many earthquakes in NCR?
The increasing frequency of such natural phenomena around the world in recent times clearly shows what happens when man tries to exploit and dominate nature. Seismological reports speak of unplanned construction, overexploitation of natural resources, and certain volcanic activities that trigger underground movements.
Seismologists state that Delhi-NCR senses the changes in the tectonic plates due to its proximity to the Himalayas. Any movement in the Himalayan belt affects Delhi-NCR. Delhi is also located near three active seismic fault lines: the Sohna fault line, the Mathura fault line and the Delhi-Moradabad fault line.
Read More :-Mild tremors of 2.7 magnitudes hit Delhi, epicentre in West Delhi
Gurugram is situated on seven fault lines, making it the highest-risk area in Delhi NCR. If these become active, they can cause a 7.5-magnitude quake. Interestingly, IIT scientists once said that small earthquakes can reduce the probability of a large earthquake.
While it is true that one must respect nature and its gifts and exercise moral and ethical control over it to maintain balance in the ecosystem, there are still numerous examples worldwide that sometimes we do not have control over nature. In view of such a scenario, a number of measures can be taken at the individual, organisational and societal levels to minimise the impact of a natural disaster, in this case, an earthquake.
Preparatory measures can range from securing heavy items, structural modifications and storage of supplies, to insurance coverage and emergency kits, to the preparation of evacuation plans. In many earthquake-prone areas, there are special building requirements to increase the resilience of buildings.
Read More :-Breaking: Strong tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
Where to seek shelter in event of earthquake
Safe place – Under a kitchen counter, table or desk, on an inside corner or wall.
Stay away from – Fireplaces, areas around chimneys, and windows that shatter, including mirrors and picture frames.
Be prepared – Spread awareness among your friends and family and face any disaster with confidence.
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