2001 Gujarat earthquake

The 2001 Gujarat earthquake, also known as the Bhuj earthquake, struck on January 26, 2001, at 8:46 AM IST, with a moment magnitude of 7.7. The epicenter was located near the town of Bhuj in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. This devastating seismic event resulted in extensive destruction across the region, leading to over 20,000 fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries, while displacing approximately 600,000 people. Buildings, roads, and infrastructure suffered catastrophic damage, prompting a massive response from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The earthquake highlighted vulnerabilities in disaster preparedness and response, influencing subsequent policy reforms and urban planning in seismic-prone areas of India.