“Odisha, a state located in eastern India, is no stranger to natural disasters. With its unique geography and location, the state is prone to a range of hazards, including earthquakes. In recent years, India has witnessed several devastating earthquakes, resulting in significant loss of life and property. As the country’s seismic activity continues to rise, it is essential for states like Odisha to take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of earthquakes.
This article delves into Odisha’s earthquake risk, highlighting the 15 districts that fall under the moderate seismic zone, the geological factors that contribute to this risk, and the steps the state government is taking to ensure the safety of its citizens and infrastructure.”
The districts identified as moderate seismic zones are Puri, Khordha, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj. The remaining districts in the state are classified as Zone-II (low damage risk zone).
Geological experts warn that Odisha lies over several seismic fault lines, including the Brahmani Fault in Sundargarh district and several deep-seated faults beneath the Mahanadi Delta. This increases the risk of earthquakes in the region.
The state government has taken steps to mitigate the risk of earthquakes, including public awareness programs, training sessions for engineers and master masons on earthquake-resistant construction, and inclusion of earthquake education in primary school curriculum.
However, experts caution that the state cannot afford to be complacent, especially since major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and the Hirakud dam in Sambalpur city are located in seismic zone III. The Hirakud dam, one of the largest dams in the world, is a particular concern, as a breach could have devastating consequences.
While the state disaster mitigation authority expects the Hirakud dam to withstand a normal quake, it is essential for the government to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of citizens and infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas.