Professors from the IIT Roorkee who were invited by the state government to take stock of the damage caused by the January 4 tremor here in Imphal today said that the damage cause at Khwairamband Ima Keithel can be repaired and rehabilitated.
“The Building has developed serious damage and the situation is dangerous”, said Dr. Yogendra Singh, Prof. of Structural Earthquake, Dept. of Earthquake Engineering IIT Roorkee after investigating the site.
He said that the administration has done right thing by evacuating the building.
He said that there is no need to demolish and reconstruct the existing market building but need extensive analysis on how to repair it.
“The damage portion can be removed and repairing can be done by putting some additional material”, Prof. Yogendra said.
The Prof. however said that if another strong earthquake occurr then the building is not safe.
“Nobody can predict an earthquake, it is not possible to predict on when or where or how strong it will occur at any place”, the professor said.
As there is possibility of aftershock which may be stronger or less affective, it is not right to take any decision as of the moment. It is suggested to vacate the place for time being.
Dr. Yogendra Singh, Dr. Manish Shrikhande and Dr. BK Maheshwari, all from the IIT Roorkee were invited by the state government to assess the damage that occurred at many building in the state and also to give their views on whether the Ima keithel can be repaired or not.
