Contrary to an earlier impression that Odisha is less vulnerable to earthquakes, geologists are now of the view that the State is prone to quakes despite it being located in seismic Zones II and III. “We cannot predetermine a seismic zone. It changes with time. In view of this, we cannot rule out major quakes in Odisha. As Odisha is not far off from the Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Java and Sumatra and it lies in the seismic zone from north east, a high intensity quake or tsunami can have its devastating impact in our State too,” said Utkal University’s Geology Department lecturer Dr Devananda Beura.
The areas lying in the valleys of the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers which fall under Zone III were considered to have low impact from seismic disturbances. However, it has been disputed by geologists. The geologists have apprehended that if an earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale occurs then Bhubaneswar will be affected most.
As per an estimate, there are over 1,000 high-rise buildings or apartments in Bhubaneswar of which 99 per cent are not earthquake-proof. The people living in these buildings would be affected by quakes. Dr Beura said people should go for earthquake-resistant constructions rather than the conventional ones to minimise the loss to life and property in case of geological disturbances.
Notably, there were several indications of earthquake vulnerability in Odisha that were traced in the past. A dormant volcano was discovered in Similipal, and several hot springs have also been found across the State. Similarly, mining activities and mushrooming high-rise buildings are inviting calamities, experts have opined.
There is a need to monitor the activities in the coastal regions, especially in Puri, Cuttack, Khordha, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur and Baleswar districts, they said. Despite scientific advancements, earthquake, which is highly unpredictable, has rocked several parts of the country during the last few decades. Its predictions have become difficult as compared to prediction of other natural calamities.