The Mizoram government on Friday asked the Centre to extend assistance and send seismologists or geo-physicists to the State to study and assess the ground situation following a series of earthquakes that hit several parts of the state.
In a letter addressed to union minister of mines Pralhad Joshi, chief minister Zoramthanga said Champhai district in the eastern part of the State has been affected by seismic activities ranging from 4.2 to 5.5 magnitude since June 21 and the area was shaken by aftershocks on more than 50 occasions.
He said the tremors have led to damage to several dwelling houses, community halls and religious places.
“In this connection, it is my request to you to kindly extend assistance to this state and that expert seismologists or geo-physicists from Geological Survey of India may kindly be sent to Mizoram to study and assess the ground situation at the earliest,” Zoramthanga said in his letter.
Also read: Alert in Mizoram after successive earthquakes
He also asked the union minister to expedite the study to determine feasibility of installing more earthquake observation centres in the eastern part of Mizoram with real time seismic telemetry for earthquake disaster preparedness.
He urged that district-wise microseismic zonation covering Mizoram may be conducted by the Geological Survey of India in the coming field seasons, starting from Champhai district.
The chief minister said a series of earthquakes have added to psychological pressure on the people at a time when the state is reeling under COVID-19 crisis.
He said that people are pitching makeshift tents outside their houses where they spent their nights as they were afraid of staying indoors.
According to Zoramthanga, the detailed extent of damages caused by the earthquakes is being assessed by state geology and mineral resources and commerce and industry departments with the help of geologists from the GSI, Mizoram state unit and detailed report is yet to be finalized.
As many as eight earthquakes have rocked Mizoram since June 18 with Champhai district bordering Myanmar being the hardest hit.
Champhai district deputy commissioner Maria CT Zuali said that at least 158 houses, including church buildings and community halls, have been damaged in the earthquakes.
Earthquakes also hit adjoining districts like Saitual, Siaha and Serchhip, according to officials.
The last earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 to jolt the state occurred on Thursday in Champhai and Serchhip districts.