Mizoram Earthquakes: Panic residents

NNN | AIZAWL, JULY 22: After several earthquakes had occurred in Mizoram within a span of one month, many residents in Champhai district go to makeshift structures or bamboo-polythene tents during the nights for safety, according to reports.

Most of the epicenters of all the earthquakes were said to be in Champhai district bordering Myanmar.

The districts of Champhai, Saitual, Siaha, and Serchhip had experienced several earthquakes between June 18 and July 17. Some say as many as 22 earthquakes had occurred during this period. The latest one occurred on July 20.

It can be noted here that geologist H. Lalbiakkima who is also the joint secretary of Mizoram Geology and Mineral Resource department went to Champhai district to study and assess the situation. More geologists will be going to the district any day to study the calamity.

According to some geologists, “minor faults that exist between the two major faults could probably be the reasons behind the series of earthquakes.

Earlier this month, the Mizoram Government had sought the help of the Central government as earthquakes continue to occur in the State. The Zoramthanga government had requested the Centre to send seismologists to the State to have a thorough study.

The first one had occurred on June 18 in Saitual district with a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of that earthquake was said to be in Champhai district.

It can also be mentioned here that at least 36 houses, including two church buildings and government buildings, were partially damaged at Zokhawthar in Champhai district by the impact of the earthquakes. Several structures were also damaged by the earthquakes in 7 villages within Khawbung Rural Development Block in Champhai district.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home minister Amit Shah had expressed their concerns on June 22 on the occurrence of the calamities in Mizoram. Both the leaders had then assured all possible assistance from the Central government to Mizoram.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, in his letter earlier this month to Union Minister of Mines, Prahlad Joshi, had mentioned the number of earthquakes and their magnitude which occurred in the State. The letter also mentioned the damages of structures including houses by the earthquakes. The State government also sought other necessary assistance from the Centre.