Delhi earthquake: Check if you are living in a risk zone

Most places along the Yamuna and its flood plain, including highly populated residential colonies in east Delhi, will be among the worst-hit during an earthquake, according to a report on 'seismic hazard microzonation' of Delhi brought out by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Lutyens’ zone, having Parliament, central ministries and VIP residential buildings, also falls under the high risk zone but this area is not as vulnerable as the areas along the Yamuna. The high risk zone, mostly in patches, are concentrated in east, central and northern parts. Areas like Jawaharlal Nehru University, AIIMS, Chhatarpur and Naraina fall under the safest zone.

Delhi University’s north campus, Sarita Vihar, Gita Colony, Shakarpur, Paschim Vihar, Wazirabad, Rithala, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Karol Bagh and Janakpuri fall under the 'high hazard zone' having worst category of 'very high' risk index. Most of these areas are along the bank of the river Yamuna and its flood plain. On the other hand, places like IGI Airport, Hauz Khas, Burari and Najafgarh fall under second worst 'high risk' index category.

Most high-rise residential structures declare themselves to be earthquake-resistant. However, that doesn't ensure security of the building. Some builders claim that they have followed standards of a zone with higher risk. It would be wrong to assume that it is sufficient protection if an earthquake strikes. According to a 2016 report by Assocham and Miamoto on earthquake safety, following are the four categories of earthquake-resistant buildings:

This level of earthquake resistance is defined as that the building, its contents and utilities are shaken by an earthquake, but no damage occurs in any of these. The function of the building is not disrupted by the earthquake.