Earthquake

A very strong earthquake hit the Kutch area of Gujarat on 26 January 2001. Bhuj was the worst affected, followed by Ahmedabad. About twelve thousand people died in Bhuj alone. This earthquake is also known as the Bhuj Earthquake.

Why Does Earthquake Happen

When the earth shakes, the shaking is called earthquake. The top layer of the earth is made of huge plates. These are called tectonic plates. These plates are always on move. When a tectonic plate collides with another plate, both of them shake. That is how earthquake happens.

Most of the earthquakes are so weak that we do not notice them. But some of the earthquakes can be very strong. Such earthquakes damage houses, buildings and roads. People may die or get injured because of collapsing houses.

Bhuj Earthquake

Image Ref: NCERT Book EVS Class Five

Most of the houses in Bhuj were poorly designed. They were made of stones. That is why many people died in that earthquake.

Many people became homeless after the earthquake because their houses were completely destroyed. They had to spend nights in tents or at shelter houses.

The government comes to people's help at the time of disaster. National Disaster Management Authority is a government organization. It helps people at the time of disaster. After the earthquake, many government and private agencies came forward to help people. They provided medical aid to people. They also provided food and shelter to people. Some agencies gave suggestions to build better houses which could withstand the shock of an earthquake. The town was rebuilt from scratch.