<P> The Indian subcontinent has a history of devastating earthquakes . The major reason for the high frequency and intensity of the earthquakes is that the Indian plate is driving into Asia at a rate of approximately 47 mm / year . Geographical statistics of India show that almost 54% of the land is vulnerable to earthquakes . A World Bank and United Nations report shows estimates that around 200 million city dwellers in India will be exposed to storms and earthquakes by 2050 . The latest version of seismic zoning map of India given in the earthquake resistant design code of India (IS 1893 (Part 1) 2002) assigns four levels of seismicity for India in terms of zone factors . In other words, the earthquake zoning map of India divides India into 4 seismic zones (Zone 2, 3, 4 and 5) unlike its previous version, which consisted of five or six zones for the country . According to the present zoning map, Zone 5 expects the highest level of seismicity whereas Zone 2 is associated with the lowest level of seismicity . </P> <Ul> <Li> <P> Revised earthquake hazard zone map of India </P> </Li> </Ul> <Li> <P> Revised earthquake hazard zone map of India </P> </Li>

According to isi seismic risk zones the south bengal plains lie within