Assam: Sonowal asks ASDMA to prepare quake hazard mitigation roadmap

GUWAHATI:

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) to collect data of tremors of different magnitudes occurring in the state since 1896 and examine the nature of their impact on the state to prepare an effective mitigation roadmap.

Reviewing the situation arising out of the earthquake that hit the state on Wednesday, Sonowal stressed about forming an expert committee for maintaining the earthquake-resistant designs (ERD) in the construction of buildings in the state appropriate for the Seismic Zone V that Assam falls into.

The Chief Minister stressed on the importance of ensuring strict adherence to building by-laws and the National Building Code by agencies like Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and PWD (public works department).

He also directed the authorities to assess the damage caused by the earthquake on the vulnerable buildings in the state and take steps to strengthen the structures at the earliest.

On being informed about Japan’s success in developing an early warning system for earthquakes, Sonowal underlined the need to explore opportunities to tie up with Japan in bringing such technologies to the state.

He also called for adopting an architecture style most suitable for high-intensity seismic zones like Assam and making the people aware of the utmost importance of maintaining the highest standards in the construction of buildings to withstand high magnitude jolts.

Directing ASDMA to take up awareness campaigns at the school level and holding regular mock drills there, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of making children and people in general aware of ways of coexisting with earthquakes.

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