41 of 57 February earthquakes in Eastern Himalayas originated in Sikkim

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: According to the Land Revenue and Disaster Management department, from February 9 until February 27, a total of 57 earthquake incidents have been recorded across the wider Eastern Himalayan region comprising Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Of these, 41 earthquakes had their epicentres within Sikkim, in the towns of Mangan, Namchi, Gangtok, and Gyalshing.

The strongest among them measured 4.6 on the Richter scale, the epicentre being Gyalshing on Wednesday. The rest ranged between magnitudes of 2.1 and 3.7, classified as minor earthquakes.

Addressing a press conference in Gangtok on Friday, Land Revenue and Disaster Management secretary and State Relief Commissioner Rinzing Chewang Bhutia urged citizens to not panic, assuring that the State government is fully prepared to respond to emergencies.

“Earthquakes cannot be predicted with accuracy, even by technologically advanced countries like Japan, where earthquakes occur frequently. While Japan has developed early warning systems capable of providing about 10 seconds of advanced notice, precise timing and magnitude cannot be predicted. Earthquakes are natural phenomena that occur along fault lines. The Himalayan belt, including Sikkim, is a seismic active zone. Such small tremors are not unusual for our region,” said Bhutia.

The Relief Commissioner stated that Sikkim, once classified between seismic zone 4 and 5, has now been upgraded to zone 6, following extensive studies conducted after the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake of 2011. The reclassification shows the State’s vulnerability as part of the Himalayan seismic belt.

Responding to media queries regarding reported damages in Geyzing district, the Relief Commissioner confirmed that minor damages had been reported in two schools. In one case, a false ceiling panel fell in an examination hall, but no injuries were reported and the board examinations resumed shortly after inspection.

Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), along with District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and concerned district administrations are conducting spot verifications, and a comprehensive report will be compiled after verification.

“All verified damages will be compensated as per the government norms. The Sikkim government has always stood by its people during the crisis,” he assured.

Bhutia added that the depth of an earthquake also influences its impact. While many earthquakes occurs around 20 km below the surface, shallower tremors between 5 km and10 km can result in stronger surface shaking even at lower magnitudes.

Bhutia informed that the SSDMA, DDMAs and line departments are conducting awareness camps, school safety programmes, mock drills and disaster management clubs are being conducted across the State. Village disaster management committees were encouraged to revive preparedness plans. Relief Materials are stockpiled and standard operating procedures are in place. He also advised residents to download the SACHET mobile app for real time disaster alters.

Responding to concerns about anxiety triggered by frequent tremors, especially in Gyalshing, Bhutia acknowledged that repeated earthquakes can affect mental health. Citizens experiencing stress were advised to seek counselling at nearby PHCs, hospitals or speak openly with family members.

“Small tremors are part of living in a seismic region. There is no need to panic,” he added.

The Relief Commissioner also highlighted the rise in forest fire incidents during the ongoing dry winter season, many of which are due to human negligence such as discarded cigarette butts. Residents have been urged to immediately extinguish small fires and report incidents to forest or police authorities.

In preparation for the upcoming pre-monsoon season, citizens were advised to clean drains and water channels to prevent waterlogging and secondary hazards.

Addressing questions about vulnerable glacial lakes following the 2023 Teesta flooding, the Relief Commissioner said the State government, in collaboration with the Science and Technology department, has initiated interventions to mitigate risks from potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.

Work is currently underway at vulnerable sites in North Sikkim, with plans to extend mitigation measures to other high risk lakes once ongoing projects are completed.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, he concluded, “We are fully prepared. Protocols are in place. Our focus is on preparedness, awareness and coordinated response. The people of Sikkim should remain alert but calm.”

BOX

Public Advisory - Key safety measures 

1.    During tremors, people should practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique by dropping to their knees, covering their head and neck, and holding onto sturdy furniture. Residents should identify safe spots within homes, such as under strong tables, corners or concrete pillars and beams.

2.    After shaking stops, electricity and gas connections should be switched off to prevent fire hazards. People are advised to move to open areas away from trees, electric poles and buildings, as aftershocks may follow.

3.    Loose objects such as flower pots and heavy items placed above beds should be secured.

4.    Families are encouraged to discuss evacuation routes and emergency plans in advance.

5.    The Relief Commissioner also warned against spreading rumours on social media, stressing that misinformation can heighten anxiety.