120 Years Since the Kangra Earthquake: A Grim Reminder of Himalayan Fragility
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Synopsis
On April 4, 1905, the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh was struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake, resulting in over 20,000 deaths and the destruction of 100,000 buildings. This marked the 120th anniversary of a significant event in instrumental seismology and serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic risks in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Kangra earthquake of 1905 was a significant event.
- Over 20,000 lives were lost and 100,000 buildings were destroyed.
- Seismic zone V indicates high earthquake risk.
- Many structures are built without adhering to safety codes.
- Illegal construction threatens the region's safety.
Dharamsala, April 4 (NationPress) On this date in 1905, the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh faced devastation from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, ranking as one of the most lethal in the 20th century, resulting in over 20,000 fatalities and the destruction of 100,000 structures. This event marked a significant moment in the early days of instrumental seismology.
April 4 commemorates the 120th anniversary of this catastrophic earthquake.
As reported by the National Institute of Disaster Management, the quake struck at 5:20 a.m., marking a tragic day in Himalayan history.
It emphasizes the importance of learning from historical events to take action for a safer future. “Together, we can mitigate risks and preserve lives!”
Seismologists indicate that regions with a history of significant earthquakes may be susceptible to future major events.
A research study suggests that an earthquake of similar magnitude to the 1905 Kangra earthquake could recur at intervals ranging from 50 to 200 years.
Alarmingly, many buildings constructed post-1905 are situated on unstable surface materials known as colluvium. The increasing number of high-rise structures built on unstable inclines, often ignoring building codes, raises significant concerns for authorities.
Interestingly, the Kangra Fort, which has withstood numerous assaults, suffered extensive damage during the 1905 quake.
Last year on April 4 served as a stark reminder for local officials as a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Chamba town, adjacent to Kangra district, causing strong tremors felt statewide.
A recent inspection of the Kangra Valley reveals a surge in illegal constructions in McLeodganj, a suburb of Dharamsala, which poses a threat to the residence of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who has been in residence since 1960 after fleeing Tibet due to persecution.
This town is also the administrative center of the Tibetan government-in-exile, housing around 16,000 Tibetans.
Experts express concern that a high-intensity earthquake could transform the uphill town of McLeodganj, known for attracting a diverse mix of Tibetan enthusiasts, Buddhist scholars, and even Hollywood celebrities, into a graveyard of rubble, as it lies in seismic zone V.
Dorjee, who has lived in the charming town with the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges since the arrival of the Dalai Lama, reflects on the drastic changes.
The 1905 earthquake inflicted severe damage in the Kangra region, including St. John’s Church, the burial site for numerous British officials.
Records from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology located at McLeodganj, indicate that several earthquakes have impacted this region since 1905.
Notable earthquakes include those on June 15, 1978, and April 26, 1986, with magnitudes of 5 and 5.7 on the Richter scale, respectively.
Similar to Kangra, many buildings across Himachal Pradesh, due to unlawful construction, precariously cling to steep slopes, particularly in historical tourist spots like Shimla, Kasauli, Manali, Palampur, Mandi, and Solan.
Experts caution that these structures are unlikely to withstand a significant earthquake and could collapse like a house of cards. Additionally, cloudbursts and flash floods have increasingly become common occurrences in this hilly state in recent years.
The substantial loss of life resulting from such disasters can largely be attributed to rising human activity, especially along rivers and waterways.
Local authorities have yet to awaken from their slumber, despite most tourist spots in the Himalayan region being situated in high seismic zones IV-V, indicating severe seismic vulnerability.
The National Green Tribunal and the High Court have repeatedly criticized state authorities for their inadequate response to the growing issue of unauthorized constructions across Himachal.
Long-time residents blame both the BJP and Congress governments for transforming many picturesque towns into concrete jungles.
In Sanjauli, a congested neighborhood on the outskirts of Shimla, deceased individuals often require extraction from their homes using ropes.
A frightening reality surfaced in a 2017 performance audit focused on disaster management, particularly concerning earthquakes and fires, conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which revealed that 90 percent of buildings, mainly in rural areas, do not adhere to safe construction guidelines.
Construction in rural areas (comprising 89 percent of total homes) is largely unregulated. As of June 2016, the CAG noted that the construction of seismic-resistant buildings in rural locales was not ensured.
(Vishal Gulati can be reached at vishal.g@ians.in)
