Shillong: Shillong faces a mounting earthquake threat. A new study, Integrated seismotectonic framework of Northeast India, identifies the city as a zone of extreme seismic stress. Researchers measured b-values dipping below 0.6 in regions including the Mikir Hills and the Indo-Burma zone. Low values signal dangerous accumulated energy deep underground.
Geology is only half the battle. Urban density creates a target. A separate survey of 750 city buildings found that more than half could fail during a major tremor. Experts blame reckless construction on slopes and a blatant disregard for seismic-safety standards. Authorities must address these risks before disaster hits. The report notes, "The new study does not say when the next major earthquake will strike."
The city's infrastructure remains at risk. Collapsed bridges, blocked roads, and power cuts threaten to paralyze essential services. Meghalaya disaster-management officials have audited some schools, yet a full inventory of vulnerable structures remains missing. Officials need to stop reacting and start planning. Real preparedness requires mandatory audits and strict enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes.
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