Page 90 - Jabalpur_EQ

Chapter 5 Miscellaneous Buildinggs

Figure 5-1. Roof slab on the stairwell dangerously hanging as slender masonry
walls supporting the slab failed.

most of these buildings, severe damage of stairwells was noted and the falling
debris had blocked the exit path which could have injured those escaping the
building had it been occupied during the earthquake.

HOSPITALS

The two major hospitals in the Jabalpur city, Medical College on Garha Road and
Victoria Hospital, were used for treating those injured in the earthquake. How
ever, most of such cases were reported to the Victoria Hospital. The Victoria Hos
pital also suffered minor damage to its structures. The water supply to Medical
College was disrupted after the earthquake which seriously affected its normal
functioning. The army was called in to help restore water supply. The electric
power and water supply are the two most important services which should have
been available at the hospital facilities in order to respond to medical emergen-
cies. A backup power supply and an alternative arrangements for water supply
is a must for hospitals. The building structure as such did not suffer any struc-
tural damage (Fig. 5-2). Some cosmetic cracks in plasters were seen at few places
as the RC frame had moved relative to brick infills.

Jabalpur Earthquake of May 22, 1997 80