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India has witnessed multiple earthquake tremors over the past year, raising concerns about disaster preparedness. Earthquakes occur due to stress build-up in the Earth's crust, which consists of large moving plates. These movements, when intense, can cause destructive tremors, especially in densely populated regions.
As per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), approximately 59% of India is vulnerable to earthquakes. The country is divided into four seismic zones based on risk levels, with Zone V being the most active, covering regions like the Himalayas, while Zone II is the least affected.
Over the years, India has experienced several devastating earthquakes, reinforcing the need for stringent building codes, early warning systems, and improved emergency response strategies to mitigate potential damage.
What Statistics Say…
India recorded 159 earthquakes from November 2024 to February 2025, with the latest being a magnitude 4.0 in Delhi on February 17, 2025.
Major Earthquakes in India
The 1905 Kangra and 2001 Bhuj earthquakes are among the most catastrophic in India’s history. The magnitude 8.0 Kangra earthquake struck Himachal Pradesh, claiming 19,800 lives.
In 2001, the magnitude 7.9 Bhuj earthquake followed, claiming 12,932 lives and devastating 890 villages.
On 17th February 2025, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Delhi.
India’s Response And Preparedness
To enhance earthquake safety, the government has launched several initiatives:
Increase in Seismic Observatories: The number of seismic observatories increased from 80 In 2014 to 168 by February 2025
Special Program: NDMA aired an earthquake discussion program called "Aapda Ka Samna-on Doordarshan TV in March 2025.
10-Point Agenda: Prime Minister Narendra Moth proposed a 10 point agenda In 2016 for disaster risk reduction, which aligns with Vision Document 2047 for a disaster resilient India.
Retrofitting of Buildings: Approximately 59% of India's land area is earthquake-prone, prompting strict enforcement of building code compliance.
Himalayan Region Earthquake Preparedness: The Himalayan region received special attention with the implementation of early warning systems and a well-defined disaster response framework.
Simplified Earthquake Safety Guidelines: In 2021, earthquake safety guidelines were simplified to ensure better infrastructure safety under the Building Code of India.
Risk Transfer Mechanism and Infrastructure Insurance: A system has been established to assess earthquake-induced damage and ensure insurance coverage for affected infrastructure.
Launch of Bhookamp App: BhooKamp is a mobile app of National Center for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India; which provides real-time earthquake information to the users.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was formed under the Disaster Management Act of 2005. Its purpose is to provide specialized response to natural and man-made disasters. The NDRF was first established in 2006 with 8 Battalions. Today, it has expanded to 16 Battalions, each with 1,149 personnel.
Key Earthquake Safety Measures and Research Initiatives
Guidelines for Earthquake Safety: The Home Owner's Guide (2019) helps homeowners build safe and disaster-resilient homes that meet safety standards. The Simplified Guidelines (2021) offer earthquake safety tips for those constructing new homes or buying flats in multi-storey buildings.
Earthquake Early Warning (EEW): Research on an early warning system is underway in the Himalayan region. NCS records earthquakes of certain magnitudes across India and shares the data publicly on their website.
Earthquake Risk Indexing (EDRI): NDMA's EDRI project assesses earthquake risks in Indian cities. It evaluates hazard, vulnerability, and exposure to guide mitigation efforts. Phase I covered 50 cities, and Phase II targets 16 more.
