1.

Details of Module and its structure

Module Detail
Subject Name Geography
Course Name Geography 02 (Class XI, Semester - 2)
Module Name/Title Natural Hazards and Disaster-Earthquakes and Tsunami –
Part 2
Module Id kegy_20702
Pre-requisites Basic Concept about the formation of earthquakes
Objectives After reading this lesson, learners will be able to:
 Acquire knowledge and understanding about the
disaster caused due to earthquakes and Tsunami.
 Acquire knowledge and understanding about the
effects of both earthquakes and tsunami on the life of
people.
 Understand how to act before, during and after a
disaster caused due to an earthquake or tsunami.
Keywords Seismic waves, Tsunami,

2. Development Team

Role Name Affiliation

National MOOC Coordinator Prof. Amarendra P. Behera CIET, NCERT, New Delhi
Program Coordinator Dr. Rejaul Karim Barbhuiya CIET, NCERT, New Delhi
Course Coordinator (CC) / PI Prof. Tannu Malik DESS, NCERT New Delhi
Course Co-Coordinator / Co-PI Dr. Nidhi Gusain CIET, NCERT, New Delhi
Subject Matter Expert (SME) Ms. Beena Srikumar CRPF Public School, Rohini,
Delhi
Review Team Prof. B.S Butola School of Social Sciences,
JNU, New Delhi
Technical Team Mr. Shobit Saxena CIET, NCERT, New Delhi
Ms. Khushboo Sharma CIET, NCERT, New Delhi
Earthquake

An earthquake is the vibration or shaking of the earth surface produced by the sudden
displacement of rock on the earth's crust. Earthquakes result from volcanism, landslides,
tectonic plate movements, subsidence, impounding of dams and collapse of caverns. Stress
accumulates in response to the energy released until it exceeds the strength of the rock. The
rock then breaks along a pre-existing or new fracture called a fault. This breakage extends
outward in all directions along the fault plane from its point of origin (seismic focus).
Earthquakes are recorded by seismograph which records the speed of travel of seismic waves.
This is registered in Richter scale. In a Richter scale of magnitude less than three, the impact
of earthquake is imperceptible where as a magnitude of more than seven causes serious damage
over a larger area. Intensity of shaking is measured on the modified Mercalli scale. In India
Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik scale, also known as the MSK or MSK-64, which is a macro
seismic intensity scale, is used to evaluate the severity of ground shaking on the basis of
observed effects in an area of the earthquake occurrence.

Earthquakes are by far the most unpredictable and highly destructive of all the disasters.
Earthquakes that are of tectonic origin have proved to be the most devastating and their area of
influence is also quite large. These earthquakes result from a series of earth movements brought
about by a sudden release of energy during the tectonic activities in the earth’s crust. As
compared to these, the earthquakes associated with volcanic eruption, rock fall, landslides,
subsidence, particularly in the mining areas, impounding of dams and reservoirs, etc. have
limited area of influence and the scale of damage. Earthquakes in Himalayan belt is mainly
caused due to the plate movement and the consequent release of energy.
Some of the most vulnerable areas include valley of Kashmir, Northern bordering districts of
Uttarakhand, Chamba and Dharamashala of Himachal Pradesh, North central Bihar all north
eastern states, and Kachchh of Gujarat.
 Image 1: BHUJ earthquake 2001
Source : https://www.nicee.org/photos/Bhuj/RC22elevator.jpg
Earth scientists have found it difficult to explain the occurrence of earthquakes in one of the
oldest, most stable and mature landmass of Peninsular block for a long time. Recently, some
earth scientists have come up with a theory of emergence of a fault line and energy build-up
along the fault line represented by the river Bhima (Krishna) near Latur and Osmanabad
(Maharashtra) and the possible breaking down of the Indian Plate Below are given some of the
well-known earthquakes occurred in India.

Source: http://www.bmtpc.org/DataFiles/CMS/file/Earthquake_Hazard_Guidelines_2010.pdf
You can see the Seismic zone map of India given below showing the areas of moderate to
vulnerable seismic hazard zone.

Source: https://ndma.gov.in/images/guidelines/earthquakes.pdf

National Geophysical Laboratory, Geological Survey of India, Department of Meteorology,

Government of India, along with the National Institute of Disaster Management, have made an
intensive analysis of more than 1,200 earthquakes that have occurred in India in different years
in the past, and based on these, they divided India into the following five earthquake zones:
(i) Very low damage risk zone.
(ii) Low damage risk zone
(iii) Moderate damage risk zone
(iv) High damage risk zone
(v) Very high damage risk zone
Out of these, the last two zones had experienced some of the most devastating earthquakes in
the past in India.
As shown in the map given above areas most vulnerable to earthquakes are the North-east
states, areas to the north of Darbhanga and Araria along the Indo-Nepal border in Bihar,
Uttarakhand, Western Himachal Pradesh (around Dharamshala) and Kashmir Valley in the
Himalayan region and the Kuchchh (Gujarat). These are included in the Very High Damage
Risk Zone. Similarly, the remaining parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Northern
parts of Punjab, Eastern parts of Haryana, Delhi, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Northern Bihar
fall under the High Damage Risk Zone. Remaining parts of the country fall under moderate to
very Low Damage Risk Zone. Most of the areas that can be considered safe are from the stable
landmass covered under the Deccan plateau Intensity is of an earthquake is based on the
observed effects seen in an area due to the severity of the earthquake and is measured in the
MSK scale ranging from I to XII. See the table given below to understand more about it.

Zone Intensities of earthquake in different zones

II This zone is susceptible to earthquakes that can be felt by all and may
frighten people enough to run outdoors. Dishes and glassware break, books fall
down ,heavy furniture gets moved .Few instances of fallen plaster and some
damage to buildings may all observed.(Intensity MSK :I to VI)
III In Zone III, earthquakes of higher intensity may be felt. Earthquakes that
frightens everyone, making it difficult for people to stand. Even people in
moving vehicles may feel such quakes. Structures/buildings of good design and
construction suffer slight damage, while poorly designed/built ones suffer
considerable damages (Intensity MSK :VII)
IV This zone is susceptible to strong earthquakes, which create panic all over,
moving even heavy furniture. Such earthquakes could cause moderate
damage in well-designed/built structures/buildings, while poorly built
structures suffer great damages. Other effects could be landslides on steep
slopes, cracks in ground up to widths of a few centimeters and water in lakes
could become turbid.(Intensity MSK :VIII)
V This is maximum risk zone in the country and is susceptible to great
earthquakes. Quakes that can cause total panic and considerable damage to
life and property. Considerable damages happen even in specially designed
 structures. Great damage in buildings with partial or total collapse. Railway
tracks bend and roadways get damaged; ground cracks to widths of several cm,
underground pipes break, landslides, rock falls and mud flows occur, large
waves in water. Where intensities exceed XI, total destruction may be caused
with changes in landscape that could even change the course of rivers.(Intensity
MSK : IX and above )

Earthquake Risk in India

Many parts of India are highly vulnerable to earthquake. This can be understood from the fact
that about 59 per cent of India could face moderate to severe earthquakes. Out of which 41.40
per cent land area is coming under seismic zone II, 30.40 per cent is under seismic zone III,
17.30 per cent in zone IV and 10.90 per cent of the earthquake prone area comes under zone
V .See the diagram given below and understand the share of area under various seismic zones.

If you analyse the statistics it is evident that many people have lost their life and property during
the past two decades due to earthquake. Some of them are the Uttarkashi earthquake of 1991,
the Latur earthquake of 1993, the Jabalpur earthquake of 1997, and the Chamoli earthquake of
1999. These were followed by the Bhuj earthquake of 26 January 2001 and the Jammu &
Kashmir earthquake of 8 October 2005.
In all these earthquakes more than 95 per cent of the lives were lost due to structural collapse.
By understanding and analyzing the impact of earthquakes which happened in the past we
should prepare ourselves so that adverse effect of it can be minimized in future. In our country
we should give more emphasis on the construction of earthquake resistant buildings and taking
adequate safety measures through awareness program by governmental and non-governmental
agencies.

Socio-Environmental Consequences of Earthquakes

The idea of an earthquake is often associated with fear and horror due to the scale, magnitude
and suddenness at which it spreads disasters on the surface of the earth without discrimination.
It becomes a calamity when it strikes the areas of high density of population. It not only
damages and destroys the settlements, infrastructure, transport and communication network,
industries and other developmental activities but also robs the population of their material and
socio-cultural gains that they have preserved over generations. It renders them homeless, which
puts an extra-pressure and stress, particularly on the weak economy of the developing
countries. Effects of Earthquakes have all encompassing disastrous effects on the area of their
occurrence.
Following flow chart of UNDRO shows some of the possible effects of earthquake of
magnitude 5 and above.

Look at the table given below for some of the other important effects of earthquakes.
Apart from these, earthquakes also have some serious and far-reaching environmental
consequences such as:
1. Seismic waves (surface waves) produce fissures on the upper layers of the earth’s crust
through which water and other volatile materials gush out, inundating the neighbouring
areas.
2. Earthquakes are also responsible for landslides
3. Earthquakes can also cause obstructions in the flow of rivers and channels resulting in
the formation of reservoirs.
4. Rivers also change their course causing floods and other calamities in the affected areas.

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation

Unlike other disasters, the damages caused by earthquakes are more devastating. Since it also
destroys most of the transport and communication links, providing timely relief to the victims
becomes difficult. It is not possible to prevent the occurrence of an earthquake; hence, the next
best option is to emphasis on disaster preparedness and mitigation measures such as:
(i) Establishing earthquake monitoring centres (seismological centres) for regular
monitoring and fast dissemination of information among the people in the
vulnerable areas.
(ii) Use of Geographical Positioning System (GPS) can be of great help in monitoring
the movement of tectonic plates.
(iii) Preparing a vulnerability map of the country and dissemination of vulnerability risk
information among the people and educating them about the ways and means
minimising the adverse impacts of disasters.
(iv) Modifying the house types and building designs in the vulnerable areas and
discouraging construction of high-rise buildings, large industrial establishments and
big urban centres in such areas.
(v) Finally, making it mandatory to adopt earthquake-resistant designs and use light
materials in major construction activities in the vulnerable areas.
(vi) Creating Public awareness by involving family and community.
(vii) Involving NGOs and volunteer groups within the community for preparing disaster
management plans and its execution at the time of any disaster.
(viii) Conducting mock drills from time to time.
So far we have studied about earthquakes, causes, areas vulnerable to it etc. We cannot prevent
the occurrence of future earthquakes, but we can reduce the impact of earthquakes through
preparedness and by safe building practices. It is advisable to understand and follow the do’s
and don’ts mentioned below:

Before an earthquake
1. Prepare a disaster management plan for the family /school and practice it regularly.
2. Preparation of an emergency kit comprising of food, water, prescription of medications,
and first aid supplies, a battery operated radio, extra batteries, shelter clothing, sturdy
shoes and personal toiletries.
3. Identification of few safe meeting places.
4. Conduct regular mock drills for school children.
5. New buildings are to be constructed in consultation with professionals so that it can
resist earthquake.
6. Identification of out of area phone number of one or two persons.

During an earthquake
1. Do not be panic. Stay calm and do not jump from the building.
2. If you are near an exit leave the building as soon as possible.
3. Cover your head with your arms to avoid any falling object. Watch out for traffic
4. If you are inside a high rise building and you cannot reach out to the exit, then stay
inside, look for firm furniture, then DROP, COVER and HOLD! Cover as much of
your head and upper body as you can. Hold on to any secure furniture so that it does
not move away from you.
4. Move to an inside wall and sit with your back to the wall, bring your knees to your chest and
cover your head.

5. Stay away from mirror and windows.

6. Do not exit the building during the shaking.

7. Do not use lift

8. If outdoors, move to an open area away from all structure, especially building, bridges, trees.

9. Stay away from electric poles.

After an earthquake
1. Move carefully and do not step on unstable and hazardous objects.
2. Try to move out of the buildings at the earliest.
3. If you are capable of helping others lend your hands for the needy.
4. Check yourself for injuries.
5. Anticipate aftershocks, especially if the earthquake lasted for more than two minutes.
6. Stay away from the partially damaged buildings.
7. Do not try to enter in to the damaged building.
8. Gather information from the battery operated radio.

Source for diagrams: CBSE textbook on natural hazards and disaster management of class XI

Some Important Facts

1. Prediction of earthquakes is not possible. Do not listen to or, spread rumors.
2. Expect aftershocks. Aftershocks are normally less intense and gradually die out.
3. Long term strengthening or, retrofitting must be done to avoid future failures. The
technology, expertise and the codes of practice for this exist in the country.
Some Interesting Facts
History of Earthquake Monitoring

Earthquake monitoring through instrument was started in India on 1 December 1898 at

Alipore (Kolkata), where the first Seismological observatory of the country was established.
This was set up after the devastating earthquake which took place at shilling plateau in
1897.Now the NCS (The National Centre for Seismology ) established by Ministry of Earth
Sciences is the nodal agency of the government of India for monitoring seismic activities
in and around the country on a 24x7 basis.

Now let us learn more about earthquakes through a game.

Tsunami

Tsunami is a giant wave triggered by underwater disturbances due to earthquake, volcanic

eruption, or due to any tectonic activities. Tsunami can also occur due to large scale landslide,
avalanche or due to the fall of meteorite. The word Tsunami is originated from a Japanese word
‘Tsu’ which means harbour and ‘Nami’ means waves. Hence “Tsunami” is also known as
“Harbour waves”.

Causes of Tsunami

Source : http://tsunami.org/what-causes-a-tsunami/

The speed of wave generated as a result of the underwater disturbances in the ocean depends
upon the depth of water. It is more in the shallow water than in the ocean deep. (See the two
diagrams given below) As a result of this, the impact of tsunami is less over the ocean and
more near the coast where they cause large-scale devastations. Therefore, a ship at sea is not
much affected by tsunami and it is difficult to detect a tsunami in the deeper parts of sea. It is
so because over deep water the tsunami has very long wave-length and limited wave-height.
Thus, a tsunami wave raises the ship only a metre or two and each rise and fall takes several
minutes. As opposed to this, when a tsunami enters shallow water, its wave-length gets reduced
and the period remains unchanged, which increases the wave height. Sometimes, this height
can be up to 15m or more, which causes large-scale destructions along the shores. Thus, these
are also called Shallow Water Waves.
 Tsunami Velocities
Source:http://www.prh.noaa.gov/pr/itic/library/pubs/great_waves/tsunami_great_waves_4.ht
ml

Tsunamis are frequently observed along the Pacific ring of fire, particularly along the coast of
Alaska, Japan, Philippines, and other islands of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India etc. You can see the map given below showing tsunami source
zones. After reaching the coast, the tsunami waves release enormous energy stored in them and
water flows turbulently onto the land destroying port-cities and towns, structures, buildings
and other settlements. Since the coastal areas are densely populated the world over, and these
are also centres of intense human activity, the loss of life and property is likely to be much
higher by a tsunami as compared to other natural hazards in the coastal areas.

Source:http://itic.ioc-
unesco.org/images/stories/oldsite/upload/WorldMap_PacificCentered_Plates_big.jpg
Tsunamis are rare events, but they are very destructive. People who are living in the low lying
coastal areas and small islands are highly vulnerable to these waves. In the past two decades
we have witnessed the occurrence several destructive tsunamis. Tsunami which took place on
26th December 2004 near Indonesia and the Tsunami of 1st March 2018 near Japan took the
lives of thousands of people.

Tsunami poses a significant threat to various sensitive establishments located in the coastal
areas. Many countries have their airports, Industrial complexes or nuclear power plants located
near the coastal areas. Nuclear power plants of Japan suffered a lot due to the devastating
Tsunami occurred in March 2018. It created a threatening situation to people not only in Japan
but also to the world at large. Hence it is a matter of great concern to set up such establishments
which are potentially hazardous to nature and humans, near the coastal areas which are highly
vulnerable to Tsunami.

How can we save the lives of people from Tsunami?

1. Educate people on Tsunami risk.
2. Have early warning system.
3. Protect the coastal areas with natural or manmade structures.
4. Maintain and use indigenous and traditional knowledge and practices about tsunami to
save lives.
5. Prepare a disaster plan and identify the safer areas in advance.
6. Relocate Infrastructure such as Industries, power plants etc to safer places.

Do you know the natural Tsunami Warnings?

Tsunamis can happen anytime of the day or night. If you are in a tsunami hazard zone.
FEEL strong ground shaking OR
SEE the unusual changes in the sea level OR Oncoming wall of sea waves
Hear a loud roar of the sea waves of very high intensity
ACTION: Immediately leave the coastal area, move to higher ground or towards interior part
of the land.
Source:http://itic.ioc-
unesco.org/images/stories/photos_video_graphics/tsunami_safety/tsunami_awareness_sticker
.jpg

Do’s & Dont’s:

Before & During

 Find out if your home is in the danger zone
 Know the height of your street/house above sea level and the distance from the coast.
 People living along the coast should consider an earthquake or strong ground rumbling
as a warning signal.
 Try and climb a raised platform or climb the highest floor of any house or building
which you might see.
 Make evacuation plans and a safe route for evacuation.
 Stay away from the beach.
 Never go down near the beach to watch the Tsunami.
 Listen to a radio or television to get the latest information and be ready to evacuate if
asked to do so.
 If you hear an official warning, evacuate at once.
 Return home only after authorities’ advice it is safe to do so.
 After
 Stay tuned to the battery-operated radio for the latest emergency information.
 Help injured and trapped persons.
 Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return
 Enter your home with caution
 Use flashlight when entering damaged houses.
 Check for electrical short circuit and live wires.
 Check food supplies and test drinking water.

Disasters can occur at any time anywhere, hence a prior knowledge about it and the ways and
means to mitigate it can reduce its impact to a certain level. Therefore, it is pertinent to be a
citizen who is not only knowledgeable about it but also ready to cooperate with the initiatives
of the authorities given from time to time to save our precious life.