Earthquake Awareness and Preparedness Survey of Yamuna River and Surrounding Region of Delhi

Earthquakes are caused by sudden shaking of the earth, and its occurrence in ever-expanding city like Delhi poses a serious problem in the city. Delhi, falling in the seismic zone IV, is highly vulnerable to such a disaster. If an earthquake of great intensity strikes the capital, the extent of damage to life and property is unimaginable. In the coming years the frequency of occurrence of such a disaster has increased. In such alarming situation there becomes a need to identify vulnerable areas of the city which will be most affected by an earthquake of moderate to high intensity. The present study thus attempts to identify vulnerable areas likely to be affected by an earthquake. Primary survey forms major part of the study. A sample of 350 respondents from five selected areas of the city was conducted with the help of questionnaire, and results were obtained. Different maps and diagrams have been prepared with the help of GIS technique and other software. Also some suggestions were also given to reduce the impact of such a disaster that will be helpful for an individual, government department, policymakers and planners.