GUJRAT EARTHQUAKE- 2001-INITIAL IMPRESSIONS AND RESPONSE LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE

As part of 3-member United Nations Disaster Management Team constituted immediately after the mega-earthquake in Gujarat, the author reached Bhuj next day in the initial and most difficult phase.This paper reflects the impressions gathered during the author’s stay at Bhuj and highlights some of the lessons learnt for future.Gujarat was jolted by a severe earthquake on 26th January 2001 at 8.46 a.m. The magnitude was severe which measured 6.9 on Richter scale. The epicenter was 20 km north east of Bhuj. The state of Gujarat was severely affected with heavy loss to life and property particularly in Kutch, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Rajkot and Surendranagar. The initial perception of people and impressions of face to face with disaster have been captured. Observations have been made on search and rescue operation. Search and Rescue (SAR) teams made up of 399 rescuers and 26 rescue dogs equipped with technical and rescue equipment assisted in the search and rescue operation. The response from International community was overwhelming. At the national level several CSOs/NGOs/Philanthropists and rescue teams rushed to Gujarat from all over the country.The paper focuses on health initiatives, which were taken to prevent an outbreak of epidemic. The impact of the earthquake and rescue and relief effort in a case study village has been cited. The sociological impact of earthquake on affect communities has also been highlighted.The paper further highlights the correlation of disaster to development and a future plan of action to disaster response. Emphasis is laid on community action for mitigation and disaster risk reduction.Gujarat quake is an illustration of the contributory role of development in the enhancement of disaster risk.