Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.

Theme

T28 Earthquakes, tsunamis & volcanoes: science to preparedness

What UPSC asks in this theme

GS1 asks how and where tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes occur (Circum-Pacific belt, 2021 eruptions); GS3 asks India's vulnerability, major quakes and preparedness gaps. Prepare the science and the management together.

What to cover

• Plate boundaries and Ring of Fire; volcano types and effects
• Tsunami formation and the 2004 tsunami
• India's seismic zones; major quakes (Latur, Bhuj, Kashmir, Sikkim, Nepal 2015)
• Preparedness: NDMA guidelines, building codes, early warning (INCOIS), drills

Writing the answer

• Start with the mechanism, then impact, then preparedness — this sequence answers both GS1 and GS3 versions

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 6 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.