High Resolution 1:10,000 scale Mapping Strategy of Multi ... - NDMA

The seismo-tectonics of India is unique. The Indian plate is colliding with Eurasian in
north at Main Central thrust (MCT) and Main Boundary thrust (MBT). The Himalayan
range is still rising due to thrust imparted by Indian plate moving towards north. This
makes the northern part of India from Jammu & Kashmir to northeastern India highly
seismic prone.
India’s climate has all extremes conditions such as, lowest Temperatures in
Ladakh and highest temperature in Thar, driest weather in Thar and wettest weather in
northeast. The long Indian coast line is prone to the sever weather arising from ocean
such as cyclones, tsunami etc. The dust storms and squalls are most prevailing severe
weather phenomena in northern and northeastern regions. The heavy rainfall during
southwest and northeast monsoon seasons causes flooding. Thus, Indian landmass is
prone to multiple range of natural disasters including seismological, meteorological,
hydrological and geo-hydrological rising due to its typical topographical, geographical
and geological features.
Earthquakes, cyclones, floods and droughts are the major natural hazards faced
by India. Nearly 5 per cent of the total geography is flood prone, 68 per cent of the net
sown area is susceptible to drought, 59 per cent is vulnerable to moderate to severe
seismic activity (Zone 3 to Zone 5) and the eastern coast as well as Gujarat coast is
exposed to cyclone risk. Also, the sub-Himalayan and Western Ghats are vulnerable to
landslides. Very generalized pattern of these major hazards are shown in the following
maps (Figures 2.1 to 2.4)
CHAPTER 2
DISASTER VULNERABILITY AND RISK IN INDIA
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