Almora fault activation likely to increase earthquakes in 2023: Government informs Lok Sabha – Gudstory

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Rijiju said activation of the Almora Fault caused significant earthquakes on January 24, October 3 and November 3. All three earthquakes were above 5.8 magnitude.

“These mainshocks as well as aftershocks led to an increase in earthquake frequency in 2023. However, background seismicity remained unchanged during this period,” the Earth Sciences Minister told Parliament.

“It is common to experience occasional moderate earthquakes and fluctuations in seismic activity in northern India and Nepal. Nepal and the neighboring northern part of India, located near the active faults of the Himalayan region, are highly seismically active areas. “where there is frequent risk of earthquakes. For collision tectonics, where the Indian plate subducts beneath the Eurasian plate,” the minister said.

This year, strong tremors were felt in the northern part of India including Delhi-NCR. On January 24, an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude occurred in Nepal. Its strong impact was felt in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Similarly, on October 3, two earthquakes of 4.6 and 6.2 magnitude occurred in Nepal and tremors were felt again in Delhi-NCR. On November 3, a powerful earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck Nepal, followed by more than 382 aftershocks.

It is important to know that the Almora Fault is a high angle trending tectonic plane running west-northwest-east-southeast that connects the Garhwal group of the Inner Lesser Himalaya in the north to the Jaunsar group of the Outer Lesser Himalaya. And separates from Dudatoli groups. South

The Minister further informed that Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published seismic zoning map of India for Zone II to V and provides guidelines to implement necessary engineering codes and practices for construction of earthquake resistant buildings.

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Published: 06 Dec 2023, 05:08 PM IST