Question

Describe the extent of destruction caused by the Bhuj Earthquake.

Answer 1

The Bhuj Earthquake occurred on 26th January 2001. It was a very destructive earthquake of 7.9 magnitude on the Richter scale, with its epicentre in an area called Lodi. This earthquake was devastating as it took lives of many people and caused damage to life and property in Gujarat as well as some parts of Eastern Pakistan. Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of the state, faced the consequences of the earthquake. More than 30,000 people lost their lives and almost 1,50,000 people were injured. About 40 per cent of the homes, schools, hospitals and the roads in Bhuj were destroyed. Structures and historical monuments were ruined. Infrastructural failure included 60 per cent destruction of food and water supplies. Telephone lines and electricity supply lines were ruined and the total property damage was estimated at 5.5 billion US dollars.