HP prepares earthquake disaster management plan

Shimla, June 6: The Himachal Pradesh Government has framed an elaborate plan for earthquake disaster management to ensure quick response in case of any eventuality since large parts of the state fall in active seismic zones, an official spokesman said.

While three-fourth area of the state falls in active seismic zones, Kangra and Kinnaur districts fall under the ''highly sensitive seismic zone'' where more than 20,000 people have lost their lives during quakes over the past three decades.

The spokesman said scores of major tremors have occurred in these areas, and this had prompted the authorities to prepare the disaster preparedness plan.

The state has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for earthquake disaster management, including training, creating awareness, preventive measures and relief and rehabilitation measures in a post-quake scenario, he said.

He said the state government, assisted by NGOs, social organisations and educational institutions was organising workshops, seminars and training camps for creating awareness among the people.

New structures being built by the government were designed to withstand high intensity quakes, he said.

The Central Government would also train 10,000 engineers in quake-resistant civil designs and construction, the spokesman added.

UNI