Assam Earthquake: CM Sarbananda Sonowal Lays Stress on Mitigation Roadmap

GUWAHATI:

Earthquake, Tremor in Assam: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assessed the damage caused by the earthquake at a meeting with the Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) at his official residence on Thursday for an effective mitigation roadmap.

He issued a directive for collecting the data of tremors of different magnitudes occurring in the State since 1896 and examining the nature of their impact on the State to prepare an effective mitigation roadmap for the future.

Laying stress on the importance of ensuring strict adherence to building by-laws and National Building Code by agencies like the GMDA and PWD, Sonowal directed for the setting up of an expert committee for maintaining the earthquake resistant design (ERD) in construction of buildings in the State appropriate for Seismic Zone 5 that Assam falls into. He also directed for assessing the damage caused by the earthquake on the vulnerable buildings in the state and taking steps to strengthen the structures at the earliest.

On being informed about Japan's success in developing an early warning system for earthquakes, Sonowal directed for exploring opportunities to tie-up with Japan in bringing such technologies to the State. He also called for adopting an architecture style most suitable for high-intensity seismic zones like Assam and making the people aware about the utmost importance of maintain highest standards in construction of buildings to withstand high magnitude jolts.

Directing ASDMA to take up awareness campaigns at the school level and holding of regular mock drills there, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of making children and general public aware about ways of coexisting with earthquakes. He also directed for increased usage of mass media for spreading awareness about the do's and don'ts during earthquakes and other valuable information.

Citing example of Japan in successful mitigation of earthquakes, Sonowal called for continuous efforts from all stakeholders for minimizing damage caused by jolts and not look for stop-gap arrangements. He also directed for releasing ex gratia to dead victims of earthquake at the earliest and take steps for free treatment of the injured, a press release said.

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