On September 22, 2023, at 17:09:16 IST, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale rattled the region. The epicenter was pinpointed at latitude 19.49 and longitude 72.27, buried 10 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. This seismic event occurred 78 kilometers northwest of Mumbai, India. J L Gautam, a scientist affiliated with the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), provided detailed information about the earthquake, indicating that it transpired at 5:19 pm. Palghar, situated within Zone 3 of the seismic zoning map established by the Bureau of Indian Standards, is recognized as an area susceptible to seismic activity.
Zone 3 classification implies that structures in this region must be capable of withstanding earthquakes ranging in intensity from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik (MSK) scale. Unlike the magnitude scale, which quantifies the energy released during an earthquake, the MSK scale evaluates the qualitative experience of the event. Within the 5.5-6.5 MSK intensity range, individuals typically encounter fear and seek shelter outdoors, while heavy furniture may shift.
Strict adherence to the construction codes established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) can significantly enhance the resilience of buildings, enabling them to endure minor tremors and more substantial seismic occurrences. Therefore, unwavering compliance with these codes remains imperative for safeguarding lives and property in Palghar.
