IIT Kanpur Study Warns of Earthquake Damage Risk in Kanpur and Prayagraj

A 17-year study by IIT Kanpur warns that parts of Kanpur and Prayagraj face severe damage risk if an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 or higher occurs. The research highlights high liquefaction potential in the alluvial soil along the Ganga river belt, which can amplify shaking and destabilize structures. Soil samples from 43 locations, including deep boreholes in Kanpur and Prayagraj, reveal loose, water-saturated soil prone to liquefaction, especially in riverbank and low-lying areas. These regions fall under moderate to high seismic risk zones III and IV.