Earthquake

An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes are measured using observations from seismometers. The moment magnitude is the most common scale on which earthquakes larger than approximately 5 are reported for the entire globe. A Powerful Earthquake of magnitude 6.9 on Richter-Scale rocked the Western Indian State of Gujarat (Kutch district) on the 26th of January, 2001 at 8.46am. It caused extensive damage to life & property. This earthquake was so devastating in its scale and suffering that the likes of it had not been experienced in past 50 years. Leaving thousands seriously injured, bruised and handicapped; physically, psychologically and economically. The quake was the worst in India in the last 180 years. The epicenter of the quake was located at 23.6 north Latitude and 69.8 east Longitude, about 20 km Northeast of Bhuj Town of the Kutch district in Western Gujarat. At a depth of only 23 kms below surface this Quake generated intense shaking which was felt in 70% region of India and far beyond in neighboring Pakistan and Nepal too. This was followed by intense after shocks that became a continued source of anxiety for the populace.

Results of an earthquake:
Twenty-one of the total 25 districts of the state were affected . Around 18 towns, 182 talukas and 7904 villages in the affected districts have seen large-scale devastation. The affected areas even spread up to 300 km from the epicenter. In the Kutch District, four major urban areas Bhuj, Anjar, Bachau and Rapar suffered near total destruction. The rural areas in the region are also very badly affected with over 450 villages almost totally destroyed. In addition, wide spread damages also occurred in Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Patan and Ahmedabad Districts. Other Urban areas such as Ganhidham, Morvi, Rajkot and Jamnagar have also suffered damage to major structures, infrastructure and industrial facilities.

Kutch alone reported more than 17,000 deaths.1.66 lakh people were injured. Most were handicapped for the rest of their lives. The dead included 7,065 children (0-14 years) and 9,110 women. There were 348 orphans and 826 widows. Gujarat Earthquake is very significant from the point of view of earthquake disaster mitigation in India. The problems observed in this disaster are no different from other major recent earthquakes in the world. II. Economic Consequences of the Earthquake Disaster loss, reconstruction cost and output loss

ADB and World Banks Gujarat Earthquake Assessment Mission visited Gujarat during February 11-22, 2001 for assessing the economic impact of the earthquake. The disaster loss was estimated at Rs 99 billion. Reconstruction costs were estimated at Rs 106 billion. The annual loss of state domestic product was estimated at around Rs 20 billion (assuming an ICOR of 4) for the first 12 months. Disaster loss

Initial estimate Rs. 200 billion. Came down to Rs. 144 billion. No inventory of buildings Non-engineered buildings Land and buildings Stocks and flows Reconstruction costs (Rs. 106 billion) and loss estimates (Rs. 99 billion) are different Public good considerations

Impact on Expenditure

Total relief expenditure (food supplies, medical relief, debris removal, and cash compensation) was estimated at around Rs 840 crore. Total rehabilitation expenses were figured at Rs 8665 crore. Housing accounted for the highest expenditure (Rs 5148 crore), followed by education (Rs 837 crore) and drinking water (Rs 614 crore). Total (relief and rehabilitation) expenses amounted to Rs 9,345 crore.

Expenditure norms under NCCF and CRF

Ex-gratia payment to families of deceased persons: Rs 50,000/- per person. Ex-gratia payment for loss of limbs/eyes: Rs 25,000/- per person. Injury leading to hospitalization for more than one week: Rs 5,000/ per person. Relief for old, infirm and destitute children: Adults- Rs 20/- per day; children- Rs 10/- per day. Repair/restoration of damaged houses: Fully damaged Rs 10,000/- (Rs 6,000/for kuccha); severely damaged Rs 2,000/- (Rs. 1,000/- for kuccha) Assistance to artisans (as subsidy) for repair/replacement of damaged equipment : Traditional craft Rs 1,000/- per person; Handloom weavers Rs 1,000/- per loom. Gujarat : Assistance provided Immediate relief of Rs 500 crore from the NCCF. National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF)