The Great Assam Earthquake of 1950: A Historical Review

Northeast India is prone to major earthquake events due to its geographical and tectonic settings. Recurrence of the earthquakes in this part of India is frequent and associated with devastating events. Earthquake scenario in the region is very dangerous as the unplanned settlements with rise in population increased the vulnerability of human life. To understand such a risk and variability in human life and changes in natural dynamics; it is essential to know and study the past earthquake events. In northeast India, the last most devastating earthquake was the great Assam earthquake of 15th August 1950. This event brought different types of changes in the physiography which, results in havoc among the people. The changes in the river course, landslides, liquefaction and river bank changes are most influential factors in both human and natural arrangements. This brought devastation in human lives that resulted into several unsettled socio-economic issues. After the earthquake, Government and people tried together to overcome such trauma, although lack of preparedness caused some problems. This is the time to review all the scenario of major earthquakes in northeast India and realise that the necessity of preparedness is very important. The paper attempts to review the impact of the earthquake on different spheres: geographical, social and economic.