10 Things to Know about the Gujarat Earthquake of 2001

Photo by Dave Goudreau on Unsplash

10 Things to Know about the Gujarat Earthquake of 2001

Natural calamities are the most dreaded occurrences in the world because of their unpredictability and the extent of destruction they might cause. These calamities range from floods, cyclones, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Historically, earthquakes can lead to loss of life and property of huge value in a few minutes, leaving behind results that would be felt for centuries. The world has experienced several earthquakes that caused the deaths of millions of people across the world, destroying property worth billions, including the 2001 Gujarat earthquake in India. The early morning of winter, January 2001 is a day that is remembered in India because of the earthquake that claimed people’s lives and destroyed property. The earthquake is recorded in history as one of the most devastating in the country in the 2000s. Experts say that the earthquake recorded the highest magnitude on the Richter scale and the evidence was in the devastation.

Below are 10 things to know about the Gujarat earthquake of 2001:

1. When did the Earthquake Hit Gujarat?

Gujarat Photo by Ranjeet Chauhan. Wikimedia Commons

The wake of January 26^th, 2001 was a tragic day for the people of India living in Gujarat state, the western part of the nation. This is the same day when Indians celebrate republic day across the country in ceremonies that attract people from villages to the city. Therefore people converged in public places to celebrate the 51^st republic day of India when an earthquake measuring almost 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the coastal region. The earthquake struck at dawn, a few minutes to 9:00 am covering over 20 kilometers in radius. The celebrations turned into mourning as several lives were lost and the day is remembered as one of the worst in the history of earthquakes in India.

Also see: All about the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755

2. The Earthquake Extended From Gujarat To Cities In India

The Gujarat earthquake was not an ordinary one despite occurring in a region where such a calamity had never been witnessed before. The shockwaves of the earthquake stretched to a radius of more than 20 kilometers, covering every city and village within reach. Several districts in Gujarat were affected including Bhuj, Jodia, Surat, Surendranagar district, Rajkot district, and every city in the neighborhood. The earthquake destroyed buildings in these districts rendering them inhabitable instantly and therefore the residents had to look for shelter in other cities.

3. More Than 20,000 People Died Instantly After The Earthquake

Photo by IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. Wikimedia Commons

There had been other earthquakes across the world and in India but the 2001 Gujarat earthquake was one to remember because of deaths and destruction. This earthquake claimed the lives of more than 25,000 people from Gujarat state and the cities around the region. The widely spread shockwaves destroyed buildings leaving more than a million people affected. However, statistics show that more than 30 million Indians were affected by the calamity in a certain way. The earthquake destroyed property and livestock, rising to more than 20,000 heads. Generally, this earthquake led to the loss of lives and more than 4 million dollars in property.

4. Some Signs Before the Earthquake Were Ignored

The Gujarat earthquake could have been mitigated and lives saved if the people were more careful about the signs. Gujarat had experienced minor earthquakes earlier on but people ignored them and assumed that it was just another ordinary calamity. A similar earthquake had been experienced in Delhi due to the increased seismic activities in these regions. However, these signs did not seem significant until January 2001 when the real earthquake occurred. Therefore it is important to read the signs and prepare for the uncertainty.

Are you intrigued about Natural calamities? Find out Top 10 Facts About The 2010 Icelandic Ash Cloud

5. The Earthquake Caused Shockwaves Recording A Magnitude Of More Than 7 On The Richter Scale

Several earthquakes have occurred in the world in the history of natural calamities but the Gujarat earthquake was one to use as a reference point. The people of Gujarat state were unlucky to encounter such a devastating occurrence that spread across the region. Scientists and experts suggested that the Gujarat earthquake had shockwaves that recorded a record-breaking 7 and above magnitude on the Richter scale. The earthquake was so strong that it spread for over 20 kilometers in a radius destroying the Gujarat state and the neighboring cities. This was one of the strongest earthquakes that have been recorded in history.

6.The Indian Public Holiday Turned Bloody As The Earthquake Hit

Photo by IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. Wikimedia Commons

Death is inevitable and there are several ways through which a man can die, including being in the midst of an earthquake. The Gujarat earthquake shook the state for the shortest period, causing effects that have lasted for many years. The earthquake lasted for only 22 seconds while many people were celebrating while others were in their houses. Those whose houses were lucky to escape the shockwaves saw horrific images when they got outside. The entire state was flat, and open places filled with blood and dead bodies could be seen from a distance. The celebrations stopped immediately and the country went into a panic mode. People were mourning their loved ones while others who survived were devastated because their houses had been destroyed and property leveled to the ground.

7. Too Much Damage Forced Indian Government To Ask For Help

A 2.5 ton truck intended for Indian earthquake relief. Photo by Stan Parker. Wikimedia Commons

After the earthquake, the state of Gujarat and the neighborhood were in a bad shape as buildings had been destroyed, people killed and livestock killed. The survivors of the calamity did not have food, shelter, or clothing. Therefore the government of India requested help from the United Nations and received relief food and consumable items. The prime minister of India’s national relief fund announced the need for help as people across the world were asked to channel money, food, and any other help through his office, through Red Cross. Several people donated money, food, clothes, and construction materials to ensure that the affected victims have a roof over their heads.

8.The Earthquake Would Have Been Mitigated With Strong Buildings And Infrastructure

Many a time, mild earthquakes and tremors cause havoc to buildings and infrastructure because of the quality of construction that was done. Although the Gujarat earthquake was strong, some of the buildings outside the city would have survived if they had been constructed to resist shockwaves. Gujarat state is considered as a place that is prone to earthquakes and therefore the buildings and infrastructure in the region need to be built with strong construction materials. The weak buildings in the region collapsed on the spot before the earthquake became stronger. The material used to construct buildings in Gujarat was sourced from outside the region and therefore the foundations were weak. The buildings collapsed because of the difference in topography between the region and the construction materials.

Check out: Top 10 Facts about the Destruction of Pompeii

9. Prior Preparation And Drills For The Locals To Save Lives After Earthquakes

Since India is a region where earthquakes are common, drills to deal with these calamities are common in schools and villages. Disaster management is part of the courses offered in school to help students know the way to deal with emergencies. After the Gujarat earthquake, villagers and residents of the state were active to rescue their countrymen from the disaster. Although the Red Cross and disaster management professionals were on the scene on time, the Indians provided help and saved as many lives as they could. Therefore mock drills were key to saving lives in the Gujarat earthquake.

10. The Earthquake Awakened Peoples Need For Food Security

U.S. Air Force personnel unload relief supplies. Photo by Stan Parker. Wikimedia Commons

The Gujarat earthquake did not just claim people’s lives but their livelihoods, property, and everything they had. The survivors of the quake had a story to tell as they went for days without food or water. Some got stuck in the rubble and did not have anything to bite. Furthermore, there were those survivors who lost everything that would give them food and shelter. Therefore food was not reachable in the state of Gujarat after the earthquake leading to some people dying due to hunger. Although the help arrived in the region on time, people should always ensure that there is food security in places that are prone to disasters.

The Gujarat earthquake in India is used as a reference point because of the effects it left behind. The January 2001 quake shook the nation by killing a record-setting, more than 25,000 people in the region and leaving a million people affected. The calamity claimed people’s livestock and destroyed buildings and infrastructure at the same time.