Earthquake Hazard Mitigation
Earthquakes are unpredictable, not uniform in time or space, and can be of various magnitudes. Therefore, mitigation measures for earthquakes should incorporate the diverse characteristics of these natural hazards.
Government bodies and non-profit organizations offer different programs on mitigation techniques through education, training, drills, etc.
It is not possible to prevent the occurrence of an earthquake; hence, the next best option is to emphasis on disaster preparedness and mitigation rather than curative measures such as:
- Establishing earthquake monitoring centres (seismological centres) for regular monitoring and fast dissemination of information among the people in the vulnerable areas.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finally, making it mandatory to adopt earthquake-resistant designs and use light materials in major construction activities in the vulnerable area.