Performance of Structures in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) during the December 2004 Great Sumatra Earthquake and Indian Ocean Tsunami

Abstract

The damage sustained by buildings and structures in the Andaman and Nicobar islands area was due to earthquake shaking and/or giant tsunami waves. While damage on Little Andaman Island and all the Nicobar Islands was predominantly tsunami-related, damage on islands north of Little Andaman Island was primarily due to earthquake shaking even though tsunami waves and high tides were also a concern. In general, the building stock consists of a large number of traditional and non-engineered structures. Many traditional structures are made of wood, and they performed well under the intensity-VII earthquake shaking sustained along the islands. However, a number of new reinforced concrete (RC) structures suffered severe damage or even collapse. Also, extensive damage occurred to the coastal and harbor structures in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.