Bihar Was Affected By Devastating Earthquake In Which Year

The Indian state of Bihar has experienced several significant earthquakes throughout its history, with the most devastating being the 1934 Nepal-India earthquake. This catastrophic event not only caused widespread destruction across northern Bihar but also left a lasting impact on the region’s infrastructure and communities. Understanding the details of this earthquake, including its magnitude, affected areas, and aftermath, provides valuable insights into the seismic activity in the region and the resilience of its people.

The 1934 Nepal-India Earthquake A Historical Overview

On January 15, 1934, at approximately 213 PM IST, a massive earthquake struck northern Bihar and eastern Nepal. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 8.0, was centered near the town of Lahan in eastern Nepal, about 9.5 kilometers south of Mount Everest. The tremors were felt across a vast area, extending from Purnea in the east to Champaran in the west, and from Kathmandu in the north to Munger in the south a region encompassing nearly 320 kilometers in length and 465 kilometers in width. The impact was so profound that the effects were reported to be felt as far away as Lhasa and Bombay, and from Assam to Punjab. In Kolkata, approximately 650 kilometers from the epicenter, many buildings were damaged, and the tower of St. Paul’s Cathedral collapsed. This earthquake is considered one of the most destructive in the history of the Indian subcontinent.Source 1934 Nepal-India earthquake

Ground Effects and Structural Damage

The earthquake’s intensity led to several ground phenomena, including

• Sand and Water EruptionsNumerous sand and water vents appeared throughout the central affected areas, leading to ground subsidence and additional structural damage.
• LiquefactionExtensive liquefaction occurred over a length of 300 kilometers, causing many structures to sink or collapse.
• Ground CracksLarge fissures appeared in the ground, particularly in towns like Muzaffarpur, where sand fissures erupted at several places, damaging wells and tanks.

These ground effects contributed significantly to the destruction of buildings and infrastructure in the affected regions.Source 1934 Nepal-India earthquake

Impact on Bihar

Bihar was among the hardest-hit areas during the 1934 earthquake. The state witnessed widespread devastation, with numerous towns and villages completely destroyed. Notable impacts included

• MuzaffarpurMost buildings were damaged, with all kutcha (ramshackle) buildings collapsing and other structures suffering damage due to ground sinking and cracking.
• DarbhangaThe Darbhanga Raj, including the famous Navlakha Palace, was severely damaged.
• RajmanglaAll kutcha buildings collapsed, and many pukka (solidly built) structures were damaged.
• PatnaMany buildings in the bazaar were destroyed, and damage was particularly severe along the river.
• BhagalpurMany buildings collapsed, and the town experienced significant ground subsidence.
• Rajnagar (near Madhubani)All kutcha buildings collapsed, and the area experienced severe ground cracking.

The earthquake resulted in the loss of over 10,000 lives, with approximately 7,253 recorded deaths in Bihar alone. The widespread destruction left thousands homeless and caused significant disruption to daily life.Source 1934 Nepal-India earthquake

Aftermath and Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of the earthquake, extensive relief efforts were initiated to assist the affected populations. Key figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Babu (Shri Krishna Sinha), and Anugrah Narayan Sinha played pivotal roles in organizing relief operations. These efforts included

• Provision of Shelter and FoodTemporary shelters were established, and food supplies were distributed to those in need.
• Medical AssistanceMedical teams were deployed to treat the injured and prevent the spread of diseases.
• ReconstructionEfforts were made to rebuild damaged infrastructure and restore normalcy to the affected areas.

These relief operations were crucial in helping the affected communities recover from the devastating impact of the earthquake.Source 1934 Nepal-India earthquake

Legacy and Lessons Learned

The 1934 earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity and underscored the importance of preparedness and resilience. In the years following the disaster, several measures were implemented to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes, including

• Improved Building CodesAdoption of stricter building codes to ensure the construction of earthquake-resistant structures.
• Public AwarenessCampaigns to educate the public about earthquake preparedness and safety measures.
• Seismic MonitoringEstablishment of seismic monitoring stations to detect and analyze earthquake activity.

These initiatives have contributed to enhancing the region’s ability to respond to and recover from seismic events.Source 1934 Nepal-India earthquake

The 1934 Nepal-India earthquake stands as a testament to the destructive power of natural disasters and the resilience of the communities affected. While Bihar was severely impacted, the collective efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake paved the way for improved preparedness and resilience in the region. Understanding the events of 1934 provides valuable lessons for future disaster management and underscores the importance of continued vigilance in the face of natural hazards.