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Chapter7 Social Impacts

&Emergency

Response

In this Chapter the impact of the Jabalpur earthquake on the affected population
is described and how the local infrastructure facilities were used to cope with var-
ious relief needs. In particular following items are discussed: medical emergen-
cies, immediate housing and shelter needs, supply of drinking water and food,
removal of debris arid demolition of unsafe damaged houses, and reconstruction
work. Materials for this chapter are collected from numerous sources such as
news bulletins and interviews with local residents, relief work-
local newspapers,
ers and various city officials.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Fortunately, the number of serious injuries and deaths were minimal. Most of the
cen-
injured persons were taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment. Local nursing
Victoria
ters and dispensaries also treated many cases of quake related injuries. the
Hospital building suffered minor damage and panicked patients spent night
Loss
outside the hospital building on May 25th after rumours of another quake.
of water supply at the Medical College hospital severely affected its normal oper-
ation and help from the army was sought. Hospital facilities should be equipped

with emergency water supply and backup electric power. Many local social vol-
and
untary groups organized medical camps in various localities to treat injuries
distribute medicines. The Ladies Officers Club of the city organised a blood dona-
to
tion camp and distributed medicines in the Medical College quake victims.

DEBRIS REMOVAL AND DEMOLITION
As described in previous chapters, damage to structures was widespread. Many
structural as well as non-structural, dan-
buildings had damaged components, serious hazards to neighbour-
gerously hanging from the structure which posed

Jabalpur Earthquake of May 22, 1997 99