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Disaster Management•Specific Hazards in India

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Why this topic matters for UPSC

India sits on the seismically active Himalayan belt and the Indo‑Australian plate boundary, making earthquakes and the consequent tsunamis a recurrent national security, developmental and humanitarian challenge. Large‑magnitude quakes can cripple infrastructure, disrupt governance, trigger migration, and strain disaster‑relief mechanisms. Understanding the science, the pattern of seismicity, and the institutional response is essential for answering questions on disaster management, environmental policy, and the constitutional duty of the State to protect life and property (Art. 21, Art. 32). Moreover, recent events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2015 Nepal earthquake have reshaped India’s diplomatic and regional cooperation frameworks, a frequent focus in UPSC essays and interview discussions.

Constitutional / Legal foundation

The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a safe and healthy environment, obliges the State to adopt preventive and remedial measures against natural hazards. This duty is operationalised through statutes such as the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines, and the Indian Disaster Management (Prevention, Mitigation, and Relief) Act, 2005, which together form the legal backbone for earthquake‑ and tsunami‑related preparedness and response.

Sub‑topics covered in this chapter

  1. Fundamentals of Seismology

    • Plate tectonics, fault types, focus & epicentre, seismic waves (P, S, surface).
    • Measurement scales – Richter, Moment Magnitude (Mw), Mercalli intensity.

  2. Seismic Hazard & Vulnerability in India

    • Seismic zones (I‑V) and active fault lines (Himalayan, Indo‑Gangetic, Andaman‑Nicobar).
    • Historical quakes (1905 Kangra, 1993 Latur, 2001 Bhuj) and their impacts.

  3. Tsunami Genesis & Propagation

    • Mechanism of sea‑floor displacement, wave characteristics, and coastal amplification.
    • 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami – timeline, death toll, and lessons learned.

  4. Disaster Management Architecture

    • Institutional set‑up: NDMA, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
    • Early warning systems (India‑Japan Tsunami Early Warning Centre, National Centre for Seismology).

  5. Mitigation & Preparedness Measures

    • Building codes (IS 1893, IS 4326), retrofitting, land‑use planning, and micro‑zonation.
    • Community‑based initiatives: DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) programmes, school drills, and public awareness campaigns.

  6. Post‑Disaster Response & Rehabilitation

    • Relief operations, compensation mechanisms, rehabilitation of displaced populations, and psychological support.

  7. International Cooperation & Legal Instruments

    • UNISDR, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and regional agreements (SAARC Disaster Management Centre).

Exam relevance

UPSC StageLikely Question TypesTips
PrelimsFact‑based (e.g., “The 2004 tsunami originated off the coast of …”, “India falls under seismic zone ___”)Memorise zones, major quakes, and key statutes.
MainsEssay (Disaster management & sustainable development), GS‑III (Science & technology, environment), Optional (Geography/Geology)Link seismic risk to governance, climate change, and regional security. Use case studies (Bhuj, Latur, 2004 tsunami) to illustrate policy gaps and reforms.
InterviewCurrent affairs (e.g., recent after‑shock, new early‑warning tech)Stay updated on recent drills, budget allocations for NDMA, and international collaborations.

A solid grasp of the scientific basics, the Indian seismic landscape, and the legal‑institutional framework will enable you to answer both objective and descriptive questions with confidence, showcasing the interdisciplinary thinking that UPSC values.

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