Hyderabad’s high-rise buildings are safe from earthquakes, says Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services chief

DG of Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Nagi Reddy said that Hyderabad’s high-rises are equipped to handle earthquakes. The image is used for representative purposes only.
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

Following the 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Telangana’s Mulugu district, questions about the preparedness of high-rise buildings in Hyderabad in case of such emergencies have cropped up. Responding to the concerns, the DG of Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Nagi Reddy assured that the city’s high-rises are equipped to handle such scenarios, adhering to strict building codes and safety measures.

Earthquake zone of the area taken into account

“Structural designs for buildings in Hyderabad take into account the earthquake zone of the area. Techniques like bracing, which uses additional support elements to improve a structure’s stability and safety, are used, and Indian Standard Codes are followed to ensure that the structures can withstand certain levels of seismic activity,” Mr. Nagi Reddy explained.

He added that builders often design structures one or two levels above the current zone requirements, with municipal bodies overseeing and verifying these designs for compliance.

Evacuation protocols

On evacuation protocols, Nagi Reddy emphasised that high-rise buildings are equipped with alternative power supplies and clearly marked staircases for emergency use. “Whether it’s a fire or an earthquake, the focus is on evacuating residents safely. Smoke detectors, heat detectors and alarm systems are in place, along with sprinkler systems to manage initial fire situations,” he said.

Challenges in rescue operations

Regarding external rescue capabilities, the DG acknowledged challenges for very tall buildings. “Our equipment, such as ladders, can typically reach up to 90 or 100 metres. For taller structures, evacuation relies on designated rescue areas within the buildings, where occupants can stay safely until they are evacuated externally if required,” he explained.

However, the DG noted a gap in earthquake-specific alert systems. “Unlike rain, lightning or forest fire alerts that are shared with the public, there aren’t specific earthquake alerts in place. Even if there were, the time between detection and the actual tremors is often too short for effective evacuation,” he said.

Talking about the safety of residents in high rise buildings and evacuation plans, a city level officer from the department said that buildings should be designed to withstand seismic forces, incorporating redundancy and flexible connections. “Multiple exit points, emergency lighting, fire safety systems and communication channels are essential for efficient evacuation. Regular drills, clear emergency plans, and accessibility for all occupants are vital,” said the officer, adding that coordination with emergency services and addressing challenges like vertical movement and limited exits are crucial for a successful evacuation.