A Safer tomorrow? Effects of a magnitude 7 earthquake on Aizawl, Mizoram and recommendations to reduce losses
This report provides an overview and recommendations to plan for safer development in Aizawl, the ridge-top capital of northeast India’s Mizoram state which regularly faces a high risk of earthquakes and landslides. Poor land use practices and rampant development further destabilize the slopes, adding to the problem.
During the project a technical assistance panel was formed to bridge the gap between the scientists and engineers who understand the hazards and mitigation options, and Aizawl’s policymakers who can implement lasting change.
Based on the technical panel’s fieldwork and scientific review, and analysis by team members, the team created a scenario of what would happen in Aizawl during a hypothetical 7M earthquake producing moderate shaking. The scenario identifies areas likely to experience landslides, and it anticipates damage to water, electrical power, communications systems, and roads that link Aizawl to the rest of India. More important, the scenario report presents numerous, detailed recommendations to reduce earthquake and landslide risk over time. It also includes recommendations from the local population.
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