Preparedness and Mitigation for Earthquakes: Are We Ready?

Preparedness and Mitigation for Earthquakes: Are We Ready?

Dr. Ebormi S. Langshiang

District Disaster Management Authority, South West Khasi Hills District

Mawkyrwat, Meghalaya – 793114.

lyngchiangbormi@gmail.com

Abstract

Earthquake is one of the most destructive natural disasters on the planet. Earthquake effects can cover hundreds of thousands of square kilometres, causing damage to structures or infrastructure facilities, causing hundreds of thousands of people to die or be injured, and disrupting the social and economic functioning of the affected area. Typically, the effects will increase significantly as the population and structures or infrastructure facilities grow. Meghalaya witnessed the great earthquake that occurred on June 12, 1897, at 17:15 local time, as one of the most horrific day in human history, as the day is marked with the most powerful earthquake recorded in human history, with an estimated moment magnitude of 8.2-8.3. It resulted in approximately 1,542 human casualties and catastrophic infrastructure damage. With this incident, Meghalaya must be prepared to deal with disasters that originate not only in our country but also in neighbouring countries. Lessons from the 1897 Assam/Meghalaya earthquake have shown that earthquakes can have significant effects even at a greater distance due to the long period component of shear waves. As a result, earthquake preparedness and mitigation are required to reduce damage and loss of life and property, as well as to find a solution for mitigating the effects.

Key words: Preparedness, Mitigation, catastrophic, damage, liquefaction, landslides and earth ruptures.