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It was 8.27 p.m. on Tuesday, the 25th of September 2001, when the ground rumbled beneath the feet of people in Chennai. An earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, rocked several parts of Eastern Tamil Nadu, Southern Karnataka and Southern Andhra Pradesh. This moderate intensity quake brought back the memories of the disastrous tremble that devastated Gujarat on Republic Day this year.

For the majority in Chennai this was perhaps the first experience of a quake. According to the Indian Meteorological Department there has been only one such earthquake in the area over the past 100 years. It was natural that people got panicky and rushed out of their houses, especially those who stay in high-rise apartments.

Earthquakes are unpredictable natural disasters and strike without warning. However, one can survive an earthquake and also avoid any major damages, both to persons and property, by taking appropriate preventive measures.

Actual earthquake seldom causes any damage in the form of either death or injury. Falling objects or debris cause most casualties. Several fatalities and injuries are also caused due to premature movement of people during an earthquake. If one remains calm and follows the preventive measures, serious injuries can be avoided to a very large extent.

15-year-old Parthasarathy of Ayanavaram area in Chennai was on the first floor of his house when he experienced the quake. As he attempted to rush down, he slipped and fell down unconscious. Parthasarathy later died.

When the quake strikes and you are indoors, stay there and keep away from windows and overhead fittings. Take shelter under a doorframe, sturdy table or bed. Do not use an elevator. In case you are in a shopping plaza or any other crowded area, do not rush for the exits and keep clear of shelves and overhead fittings.

According to press reports during the quake on 25th September the escape routes from Spencer Plaza, the seven - storey mega-shopping plaza in Chennai, were jammed, people simply dropped their shopping bags and ran.

In many of the hospitals in Chennai, patients and staff ran out of the wards and insisted on staying outdoors. In case the quake had caused wide spread damage, the casualties would have been left to their fate with majority of the staff outside the hospitals.

Today quakeproof building codes and design standards are available for new constructions and existing buildings can be strengthened by various measures. Hence it is important that you take stock of the health of your dwelling. In case you are moving into or intend to move into a new accommodation, it is prudent to make sure that all standards and codes have been duly adhered to. It is important for the safety of all concerned.

• Within the dwelling there are several aspects, which can be taken care of to avoid injuries in case a quake strikes. Appliances such as water heaters that could move during a tremor should be secured so that they do not damage water and electrical mains.
• Easily breakable and heavy items should be kept in the bottom most shelves so that they do not fall easily.
• Heavy and tall furniture should be properly secured to the walls. It would be better if mirrors, heavy picture frames and hanging plants were not hung over beds.
• Cupboard doors should be latched so that they remain closed during a quake.
• Flammable and hazardous items should be stored in secure containers so that they do not spill and catch fire when tremors strike.
• In a high-rise building stay away from windows and outer walls and take shelter under a sturdy structure near a pillar or internal load bearing wall. Do not use elevators.
• In case you are outside when the quake strikes, stay away from tall buildings, overhead structures, walls, power lines, trees, bridges and hoardings on the roadside. Do not take shelter under balconies and parapets that may collapse.
• If you are driving, stop in an open area till the tremors subside. Before again driving on try to assess the situation. There could be fallen power lines, roads could be damaged or cluttered with debris of damaged structures and burst water and sewer pipelines.
• Moreover after a quake drive only if it is essential, it would be better if roads were kept clear for emergency vehicles.
• After the tremors have subsided, check your house for cracks and other damage. Do not light matches or turn on electricity until you have checked for leakages.
• Do not waste food and water as fresh supplies may be interrupted. Do not go on a sight seeing trip across the town. Also do not enter damaged buildings.
• Use telephones only when absolutely essential. More than normal lines may be required for emergency services.

An earthquake is over before you can do much about it but adequate preparation and preventive measures can keep you and your near and dear ones safe and sound.

i really appreciate your valua..... - prabhu.v.v., chennai, 10/12/2001
Anyway Chennai is not a earthq..... - nagaraj, bangalore, 10/5/2001
My views :As per 2000 seismic..... - G.Janardhanan, Chennai, 10/5/2001

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