In the last few days North East region has been rocked by series of earthquakes. On Monday, a strong quake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale hit Tamenglong in Manipur. This was followed by many small and medium aftershocks. In Manipur many people lost lives. The earthquake also caused massive damage to property and infrastructure. Yesterday a medium intensity earthquake, measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale hit Arunachal Pradesh. Even though there was no loss of life and property but it created panic.
Adding to the panicky situation union home ministry’s disaster management experts recently warned that in future earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.2 or greater on the Richter scale may hit the already ruptured Himalayan region. However the big question is whether our state is ready to face such kind of disaster? Lack of good health care facilities and absence of well trained disaster response team is a major hurdle. Also the department of disaster management is not doing enough to educate people about various issues related to disaster. There should be rigorous awareness campaign throughout the state. District administration will have to play their part too. Strict checking should be carried out so as to ensure that building laws are being properly followed. Action should be taken against those who violate the building laws. People of state should themselves take precautionary measure. Everyone is aware that Arunachal comes under earthquake prone area. Therefore while constructing houses they should exercise maximum caution.