2001 Gujarat Earthquake was happened on January 26, 2001. On this day, India was celebrating 52nd Republic Day and suddenly the ground/land vibrating at large sharply at 08:46 am (local time IST) and lasted for several seconds. In these several seconds, thousands of villages and towns destroyed completely.
This was the deadliest earthquake in the history of Gujarat. Several thousands people died in few minutes across the state. The sky of Gujarat filled with dust and extreme grief of people.
Gujarat Earthquake 2001
Places Which Affected Most
The entire Kutch region was affected badly as the epicentre of this earthquake was located in the district. Several towns and villages completely wiped out from the map in Bhuj, Anjar, Bhachau, and Gandhidham. The damage was widespread and thousands of people lost their lives due to collapse of buildings.
Saurashtra region was also badly affected, but not equals to Kutch. Maliya Miyana, Wankaner, Morbi, Rajkot, Amreli, and other places were affected by this earthquake. In these cities and towns, people also lost their lives. Several crores of properties and wealth destroyed in this deadly earthquake.
Gujarat Earthquake 2001
Relief by Around the World
The earthquake destroyed the economy of the state of Gujarat for several months. A relief materials, including cash was sent by many NGOs and foreign governments for the state of Gujarat. A large number of NRIs sent relief materials and cash for the betterment of Gujarat state people. A good number of rescue team were also sent by a few countries for helping in rescue missions.
In just few days, Gujarat Government and large number of NGOs received large amount of money as part of relief to the people of Gujarat. Several large NGOs from other countries sent important goods and consumer products which are necessary.
Gujarat Earthquake 2001
How Armed Forces Helped in Gujarat Earthquake 2001?
In Gujarat Earthquake in 2001, the Indian Armed Forces and Indian Air Force played important role in relief operation. The Armed Forces of India launched “Operation Sahayata”, the largest operation in India for earthquake relief. The Indian Air Force airlifted essential supplies to the remote areas of Gujarat.
A troop positioned in the Indo-Pakistan border (near Rajasthan) were also asked to join the rescue operation. Another army division of the Desert Corps alongside the border (in Gujarat) also asked to join the rescue operations.
In this operation, the Indian Air Force used IL-76 (aircraft), Mi-17 helicopters, Mi-26s, Chetak, and Cheetah helicopters.
Gujarat Earthquake 2001
Felt in Other Countries Too
2001 Gujarat Earthquake was also felt in Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. These countries has also faced so many deaths on that day. The earthquake was happened due to the Indian plate pushing northward into the Eurasian plate. Later on, it created a larger earthquake for several seconds.
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Article Title: An Essay on 2001 Gujarat Earthquake for Children, Students and Kids
Article last re-published on March 7, 2020.