Last reported, nine people died in the earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday. Considering its magnitude, 7.4 on the Richter scale, it was a massive event that, in most parts of the world, would have led to enormous loss of life. So, what was the difference? The quality of the buildings people live in – modern technology, material and design now ensure that the traditional saying, ‘buildings kill people, not earthquakes’, no longer applies in countries like Taiwan and Japan. Special attention has been paid to implementing construction norms that ensure buildings are as safe as modern technology can ensure, which is a lot.
There are many parts of the world prone to severe earthquakes where people cannot afford such quality of construction, which includes the entire Himalayan range. Implementation of norms for multiple-storied buildings is, therefore, difficult. It is important, therefore, for such people to improve on traditional construction practices that evolved over time to become comparatively safe. Replication of ‘modern’ buildings where the latest technology is unaffordable is, therefore, not a good idea. There are many organisations, architects and construction experts who have worked on affordable anti-earthquake housing based on traditional models.
In the hill states of India, housing design in the present day is required to conform to certain parameters, particularly the introduction of pillars and beams, as also stable foundations. However, much stricter norms are required for multi-storied buildings, which includes stability of the land on which these are constructed. Earlier in this column, mention has been made of the hazardous sites where such construction is ongoing in Dehradun, posing a major risk for the residents. Some don’t even have proper enough approach roads for rescue vehicles if ever needed. It is worth examining if due diligence has been done by the authorities concerned to see if even the present norms are being adhered to.
Architects and engineers have also evolved methods to renovate old houses to make them quake proof. Steps are needed to help people pay for such renovations, in particular, low interest loans, with partial grants in the case of poorer sections of society. In the case of the Himalayas, especially, the tectonic stress has to be released from time to time. It should be ensured that this happens as safely as possible.
