Mizo Geologists deny Asom earthquake predictions

Aizawl, Sep 9 (UNI) Mizoram Geology and Mining department today refuted the Chennai-based Geologist' 'prediction' that an earthquake will hit Asom, triggering panic among the people.

While explaining the failure of the prediction made by N Venkatanathan of the Madras University, senior scientist Dr H Lallenmawia told UNI that ''there is no plate boundary of the crust in his epicentre specification.'' Quoting experts, he said earthquakes might be recorded anywhere but their place and places of origin were confined to the region where earth movements or volcanoes were active.

Mr Mawia clearly maintained that as per the available data, it is virtually impossible for a scientist or geologist in this world to predict the exact place and time of an earthquake occurance.

''There is no possibility of a high magnitude earthquake at this point of time in the NE region,'' he said, adding that the mild earthquakes that were rocking the region in the recent period were the results of the physiographical instability in Southeast Asian region.

Following media reports about the impending quake, Asom government had issued a general alert after an emergency meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary S Kabilan, instructing the hospitals, health centres, medical colleges, nurses and doctors to be prepared to meet any eventuality.

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