Maharashtra's deadliest earthquake: Some facts you must know about the Latur earthquake

The article features some facts on the deadliest earthquake the Indian state of Maharashtra has even witnessed.

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Latur Earthquake
Latur Earthquake

Latur earthquake was one of the deadliest earthquakes Maharashtra has seen till date. The earthquake struck at about 3.56 am on September 30, 1993. In the intraplate earthquake about 52 villages were destroyed, over 30,000 were injured and approximately 10,000 were killed. The earthquake left a huge hollow at Killari, which was also the epicentre, remains in place till date.

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Fats you should know about the deadliest earthquake in the history of Maharashtra:

  • The earthquake in Maharashtra mainly affected the districts of Latur and Osmanabad
  • About 52 villages were demolished in the intraplate earthquake
  • The earthquake measured 6.2 on the moment magnitude scale
  • Over 10,000 people died, whilst another 30,000 were injured
  • The area of Latur was densely populated so, the toll of those who were killed and injured was very high
  • Since the earthquake's focus was 12 kilometre deep, the shock waves caused more damage
  • The epicentre of the quake was Killari. The large crater can be seen at the place even today
  • Several foreign and local donors reacted immediately to the tragedy by sending relief teams and rescue workers
  • The first convoy of over 120 trucks loaded with relief material such as tents, blankets, food and clothing, medical supplies and temporary shelters were given by international donors
  • The Indian Army, State Reserve Police Force, Central Reserve Police Force and other law enforcement agencies too reacted immediately and rushed their personnel to the earthquake hit area
  • The earthquake hit at about 4:00 in the morning so, the villagers of Latur and nearby areas had no warning and many of them were crushed to death under the wreckage of their houses which collapsed as a result of the quake
  • The number of deaths included many women and children
  • After the damage was understood in numbers, World Bank also offered assistance and funding for the reconstruction at Latur
  • The Handicapped persons were provided financial assistance of 46.55 lakh rupees
  • 1,26,132 agricultural apparatuses were also provided to the farmers
  • 299 beneficiaries have been provided cattle for the cattle lost in earthquake
  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was also set up after the Latur earthquake.