Editorial 2: A tectonic shift in thinking to build seismic resilience

Context

With earthquake activity increasing across India and the globe, the Government of India must take the lead in a national dialogue to ensure strict enforcement of seismic safety codes.

Introduction

The tremors felt in Delhi on July 10, 2025, at 9:04 a.m., measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale — as per the National Center for Seismology (NCS) — are a wake-up call highlighting India’s seismic vulnerability. The epicentre, about 20 km southwest of Delhi at a shallow depth of 5 km, may not have caused major damage, but it revealed the fragility of Delhi’s infrastructure, where over 80% of buildings, especially those built before 2000, do not meet seismic safety norms.

• The July 2025 earthquake in Delhi was part of a series of seismic events across Asia since March 2025.
• These include the devastating 7.7 magnitude quake in Myanmar and Thailand.
• Additional tremors were recorded in Tibet and Greece, along with recurring seismic activity near the India-Myanmar border.
• As India sits on a highly tectonic zone, the urgency to enhance seismic resilience has become critical.

The danger of unpreparedness

Greater danger with urbanisation

• Delhi’s rapid urbanisation exacerbates the risk it faces. Older structures in East Delhi’s Risk: Built on liquefaction-prone soil, with many poorly designed high-rises, East Delhi is highly vulnerable to intense seismic shaking.
• Early Warning but Low Awareness: The IndiaQuake app by National Center for Seismology (NCS) provides real-time alerts, but public awareness and code enforcement are still inadequate.
• Lessons from Abroad:
  • In Bangkok, updated seismic codes (since 2007) limited damage, despite a flat-slab collapse in 2025.
  • In Myanmar, the 2025 quake toll worsened due to poor code enforcement.
• Global Seismic Activity: Earthquakes in Greece, Indonesia, Chile-Argentina, and Ecuador (May 3, 2025), though distant, show a globally dynamic seismic phase, underlining the need for Indian preparedness.
• Himalayan Seismic Gap: Stress continues to build since the 1905 Kangra quake and 2015 Gorkha (Nepal) quake, pointing to a potentially devastating Himalayan event, with Delhi at high risk.
• Urgency for Code Enforcement: India must strictly implement seismic codes, especially in high-risk cities and retrofit vulnerable structures.
• Delhi Action Steps:
  • Retrofitting older buildings with steel jacketing
  • Mandating deep pile foundations in seismic zones
  • Accelerating compliance checks by the Delhi Development Authority
• Guwahati (Zone V) Measures:
  • Enforce IS 1893:2016 Code
  • Avoid construction on the Brahmaputra floodplain
  • Use base isolation techniques for critical structures
• Bhuj Preparedness: Expand retrofitting efforts and build community disaster response teams.
• Strengthening Early Warning: NCS should extend early warning systems to rural areas in Zone V, improving safety beyond major cities.

Global lessons

• Concrete & Ductile Detailing: Use of 30–40 MPa concrete with ductile detailing serves as a model for earthquake resilience, though it is suited to lower seismic zones (0.1g–0.2g) — unlike India’s Zone V which faces much higher seismic forces.
• Warning from Myanmar: The severe damage caused by unreinforced masonry in Myanmar’s 2025 quake is a cautionary tale for India to avoid similar neglect.
• Tailored Retrofitting Needed:
  • The Northeast’s soft soils and Kutch’s sandy basins demand custom seismic strategies.
  • Experts estimate India needs ₹50,000 crore annually for nationwide retrofitting efforts.
• No Room for Delay: With increasing seismic activity in India and across the globe, the country cannot afford further delay in earthquake preparedness.
• Government Leadership Required: The Government of India must take charge with:
  • Strict enforcement of seismic codes
  • Mass public awareness campaigns
  • Investment in resilient infrastructure
• Citizen Responsibility: Every citizen should:
  • Learn about emergency preparedness kits
  • Follow safe building practices
  • Be aware of evacuation plans and drills

Conclusion

The Bhuj earthquake stands as a stark reminder of how lack of preparedness can magnify the scale of disaster and loss. It continues to serve as a haunting lesson for India, where frequent tremors highlight the urgent need to build seismic resilience. This is not just a technical necessity but also a moral responsibility to safeguard lives and livelihoods. In light of these ongoing threats, a national dialogue must be initiated to drive proactive action before another major quake occurs. The recent tremor in Delhi reinforces this urgency, calling for a decisive shift from vulnerability to strength through enforcement, awareness, and robust infrastructure.