The Hindu : Kerala News : Six factors identified as disaster risks in Kochi

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Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

Six factors identified as disaster risks in Kochi

Staff Reporter

Earthquake and chemical, nuclear and biological disasters among them It was conducted for a master plan for the city

KOCHI: A study on the possible disasters in Kochi has identified six factors, including earthquake, chemical, nuclear and biological disasters that could hit the city hard.

Water, climate-related and man-made disasters are also some possibilities awaiting Kochi, according to an assessment made by Consultant Engineering Services for the Kochi Corporation. The study was undertaken as part of the preparation of a master plan for the city.

The possibility of an earthquake hitting the city has been listed under the geographical risk, whereas flood, local severe storm, coastal erosion, thunder and lightning, tsunami, cyclone and storm surge have been included in the water and climate-related disasters.

Industrial pollution due to effluents and waste discharge, accidents, gas leak, oil spills and pesticide contamination of air, water and land comes under the chemical and industrial-related risks.

The risk of food poisoning and mosquito vector diseases, urban fire, building collapse, festival-related disasters, electrical, road accidents, rail accidents, boat capsize, liquor tragedy and drug abuses have also been listed.

Geology of Kochi indicates that the Corporation area is located on a thick sedimentary pile consisting of alternating layers of clay and sand.

This thick pile of sediments is resting on a westerly slopping basement. Most part of Kochi area forms part of the extensive Vembanad wetland system with its ample water saturated sub-stratum.

Any near-source seismic event can disturb these sediments, the report said.

Kochi area falls within Zone Three of the National Earthquake Zonation Map where earthquakes of magnitude six on the Richter scale are a possibility.

However, so far no earthquakes of magnitude over five have been reported from here. The highest historic one was in 1341 of magnitude 5.7. However, this case is still contested among the scientists, the report said.

In 1953, an earthquake of magnitude five was reported from Cochin.

The map on seismicity of Kerala showing earthquakes from 1341 to 2002 and the lineaments of Kerala prepared by the Centre for Earth Science Studies does not indicate any active fault lineaments passing through Cochin area.

As such, possibility of a major earthquake in this area is remote, the report said.

Kochi is vulnerable to water and climate-related disasters as the major hydrological functions of the wetlands like repository or source of water, floodwater storage and consequent flood control, ground water discharge or distribution have been upset due to developmental activities.

The groundwater recharge, regulation of water quality, silt trapping and control of saline water incursion are also hampered in Kochi, the report said.

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