GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4951
TO BE ANSWERED ON: 27.04.2005

INCREASE IN EARTHQUAKE TREMORS

4951. SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY:
SHRI BADIGA RAMAKRISHNA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether there had been increase in earthquake tremors immediately after the Tsunami disaster;

(b) if so, the number of tremors recorded thereafter;

(c) the highest frequency of tremors occurring on a particular day;

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up a Seismological Research Institute in Tsunami affected and other coastal States;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the extent to which such Institutes will be useful in mitigation the loss of human life and property in future Tsunami disasters?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes, Sir. Normally every large earthquake is followed by aftershock activity.

(b) & (c): Between 26.12.2004 and 25.04.2005, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recorded three hundred and six aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 and above. The highest frequency of tremors of magnitude 5.0 and above was recorded on 26th December, 2004.

(d) No, Sir.

(c ) Does not arise.

There are a number of institutions already engaged in studies related to earthquakes. They will also now initiate Tsunami related research.