Earthquakes are considered to be one of the most destructive natural hazards. The impact of this phenomenon occurs with so little warning that it is almost impossible to make preparations against damages and collapse of buildings. About 50-60% of India is vulnerable to seismic activity of varying intensities. Most of the vulnerable areas are located in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions. It has been several years since the earthquake struck Gujarat on January 26th 2001.
A report on the various initiatives in Gujarat, In Down to Earth (vol. 12th, no.2) by Mihir Bhatt, throws light on the various developments that have taken place after the earthquake. According to the report, the initiatives of the international fund for agricultural development in supporting the self-employed women’s association(SEWA) and the government initiative in community based livelihood security for earthquakes and drought victims have the potential to shape future disaster response and development projects in Gujarat.
The farming kits provided to affected farmers by Gujarat’s agricultural ministry in also showing promising results after two seasons.
Participants