Page 110 - Jabalpur_EQ

Chapter 7 Soclal Impacts&Emergency Response

ing buildings and people on the streets. Parapet walls, ornaments and various
other appendages broke off and fell onto the streets and walkways. This debris
from damaged buildings hau to ie cleared from the streets. 150 jawans of Rapid
Action Force were called in to help the Nagar Nigam (City Council) to demolish
dangerous structures. Fortunately, search and rescue work was minimal.

HOUSING AND SHELTER NEEDS

The Jabalpur earthquake rendered a large number of people homeless; their
houses either collapsed or so damaged that they were unsafe for living. A large
number of quake victims needed immediate shelter, especially in rural areas. The
army adopted many villages for relief work and provided tents in Koshamghat,
Kudariya, Jamatara, Saliwar, Parasvara, etc., to families whose houses were dam-
aged. Similarly, in the residential areas of Ordnance Factory Khamaria, canvas
tents were provided to temporarily house most of the families living in 357 units
which were
critically damaged. But, above all it was the samaritan spirit neigh-
of
bours heiping neighbours, which overcame the most difficult problem provid-
of
ing shelter to those who lost their homes.

RELIEF AIDS AND RECONSTRUCTION

In the city area, the relief work was organized at the ward level by the city admin-
seriously by earthquake.
istration. Out of 60 wards, 21 wards were affected the
The relief work in each ward was supervised by a gazzetted officer, whereas in
rural areas the relief operation was headed by Patwari, a revenue official.

The forthcoming monsoon season was an immediate concern for damaged
houses as the already weakened structure may collapse under heavy rains. There
was an urgent need to repair such houses. The state government of Madhya
Pradesh extended a cash advance of Rs 30 000 per housing unit in the city area to
meet the cost of repairs. In rural areas, each collapsed house was provided with
18 woden posts and a cash assistance of Rs 3 000. The assessment of damage and
distribution of money led to many difficulties and dissatistaction among people
There were allegations that officials gave away money to undeserving people
The lack of experience on part of officials in charge damage assessment, proper
of
training and orientation was the primary cause behind most grievances.

Many NGOs and voluntary organizations supported various relief activities and
reconstruction work. They distributed food items, articles of daily usage, med-
icines, and building materials, etc. Care, India plans to build about 1 000 houses
in Madhotal area. HUDCO had plans to provide low interest long term loans for
reconstruction and repair work. HUDCO will also reconstruct model villages in
Ghana and Temar-Bhita.

Jabalpur Earthquake of May 22, 1997 100