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Geological Survey of India (GSI), a subordinate office of the Ministry of Mines, has taken immediate action for carrying out multifarious geo-scientific studies on the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and Tsunami of December 26, 2004. A team of scientists led by the Director General, GSI visited South Andaman and Nicobar Administration and other organizations involved in similar studies.
Several team from GSI carried out detailed scientific studies in the Andaman group of islands after the earthquake. These include Macro-seismic (post earthquake damage survey to constrain earthquake intensity) survey, Global Positioning System (GPS) survey in campaign mode for constraining ground deformation, study of aftershocks with five digital seismographs deployed in the islands at Port Blair, Carnic (Car Nicobar), Hut Bay (Little Andaman), Rangat (Middle Andaman) and Diglipur (North Andaman). Nearly 6,500 aftershocks have been recorded by GSI, which show a trend of continuous release of stress energy.
Teams of Geoscientists from GSI have carried out studies on the effects of Tsunami in the coastal tract of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It undertook Bathymetry and magnetic surveys out in the sea around Andaman and Nicobar islands to study the submarine geo-morphological changes. GSI has posted all relevant information and data on its website i.e. www.gsi.gov.in and this website is being continuously updated. During January 25-27, 2005, GSI members alongwith other DST Committee Members visited Port Blair in connection with collection of data on submergence / resettlement issues in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The expert team studied run up / submergence / inundation problem in the area. GSI utilized its own budgetary allocation for the said studies.
GSI representatives have participated in the brainstorming session organized by DST in New Delhi on January 21-22, 2005 and had discussions with foreign experts. GSI attended an international conference on Tsunami at Phuket, Thailand during January 28-31, 2005. The Geological Survey of Japan approached GSI on January 23, 2005 for a collaborative project to study the details of the Tsunami in Andaman & Nicobar islands. The Earth Science Sector, Natural Resources, Canada has proposed a collaborative programme between India and Canada on an overall disaster mitigation efforts which include Tsunamis.
DS/SCH
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