148 tremors in Meghalaya since 2010
SHILLONG: Meghalaya has experienced as many as 148 tremors, without any damage, due to earthquakes since 2010 which calls for immediate measures for preparedness in the event of any major earthquake in the State.
As per the official data, the shocks felt in Meghalaya year wise include in 2010–30, 2011 –29, 2012 –27, 2013 –23, 2014 –28 and in 2015 –6 (till date).
In the context of hilly country like Nepal still facing the brunt of earthquake, Meghalaya which has similar landscape, is yet to initiate measures to ensure that the buildings constructed are earthquake-resistant.
Though there were many mock drills to face earthquake, Meghalaya is yet to be fully prepared for the ‘big one’ which may hit any time given the high risk seismic zone 5.
There is a fear of inflicting more casualties if an earthquake strikes in the state compared to the 1897 Shillong earthquake which claimed 1542 lives, feels , AC Lyngdoh, Director, Central Seismological Observatory, Upper Shillong.
With more concentration of people in parts of Shillong coupled with ever increasing concrete structures, the vulnerable areas as far as the number of buildings are concerned are Police Bazar , Barabazar, Lauchumiere, Jhalupara , Polo and Nongmynsong. With narrow roads, there are possibilities of stampede which may add to the casualties.
Lyngdoh said that there is a need to carry out a detailed study on the nature of buildings in and around Shillong, and also an impact assessment can be initiated by the concerned authorities.
The timing of earthquake is important in deciding the casualties. If the earthquake strikes at night, the number of casualties can be more compared to day which gives free mobility for the people to run to open space.
“As earthquake cannot be predicted and there is no early warning system as the response time is short, better preparedness is the need of the hour”, he said.
When contacted, a MUDA official said that as far as the assessment of vulnerable buildings are concerned, there should be a direction from the State Disaster Response Force in this regard.
“We are yet to get any direction in this regard and if a such a direction comes, we will act”, the official said.
