India’s Earthquake Vulnerability: Ranking Among Countries with Major Seismic Activity
A recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake near the Nepal-Tibet border highlighted India’s vulnerability to seismic activity. India ranks seventh worldwide in earthquake occurrences from 1990 to 2024, with 58 significant earthquakes recorded. Comparatively, China and Indonesia have experienced the most major earthquakes globally, emphasizing the critical need for earthquake preparedness in India due to its geographical position.
India was struck by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale in January 2025, originating near the Nepal-Tibet border. This earthquake marked the strongest seismic event in the region since the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake, which resulted in significant loss of life. Historically, India ranks as the seventh most earthquake-prone country globally, having experienced 58 major earthquakes from 1990 to early 2024. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the country’s geographical position at the junction of several tectonic plates and extensive urban development in seismically active areas.
Between 1990 and 2024, various regions across Asia, including China and Indonesia, have experienced the highest number of significant earthquakes. Notably, China leads with 186 major earthquakes, followed by Indonesia with 166 and Iran with 109. Japan ranks fourth with 98 significant seismic events. India, while not leading the global count, remains at considerable risk due to its geographical factors and historical seismic activity, necessitating constant vigilance and preparedness against potential earthquakes.
The Himalayan region, in particular, is vulnerable to high-magnitude earthquakes, as demonstrated by historical occurrences such as the Shillong earthquake of 1897 and the Bihar-Nepal earthquake of 1934. Recent statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reaffirm India’s position within the list of countries impacted by severe earthquakes, emphasizing the need for enhanced earthquake preparedness and disaster management strategies in the nation.
The focus of this article is on the seismic activity that recently affected India due to a major earthquake in January 2025. Given India’s geographical positioning along critical tectonic boundaries, the article highlights the country’s historical and current vulnerability to earthquakes. It provides a comparative analysis of earthquake occurrences in various countries from 1990 to early 2024, offering insights into the global seismic landscape and emphasizing India’s place within this context. Additionally, it underscores the necessity for improved construction practices and disaster preparedness due to the risk presented by earthquakes in the region.
In conclusion, India is indeed among the countries that have experienced significant earthquake activity, ranking seventh worldwide based on data from 1990 to 2024. With substantial portions of its territory vulnerable to seismic events, particularly in the Himalayan region, it is imperative for India to maintain readiness against the possibility of future earthquakes. Understanding the comparative frequency of major earthquakes in other countries provides context for India’s seismic challenges and the critical need for proactive management approaches to mitigate risks from such natural events.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
