POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE IN KANGRA REGION OF HIMACHAL-PRADESH

A major earthquake of magnitude 8.0 had caused severe catastrophe in Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) in April 1905 in which 20000 people were killed. It is dreadful to think what would happen if that kind of earthquake recurs now. Based on earthquake intensity distribution resulting from such an earthquake, the types and numbers of houses and the population density, this paper estimates the number of houses that could collapse, be destroyed and cracked and the possible numbers of human lives which may be lost. The approach to mitigate these effects by timely preventive actions is also outlined.