An Earthquake is a natural phenomenon and a calamity par excellence. Scientists believe that when the lava in the depths of the earth moves from one place to another, or twists, it causes the earth to shake, and we call it an earthquake. This movement can be mild and absolutely harmless and sometimes even not felt by most men.

However, if the quake or tremor is strong it can be grave, causing grievous consequences to man, and his property. It is the magnitude of this shaking of the earth which enables us to understand the magnitude of the damage done. This is beauteous. The damage is in direct proportion to the speed of the movement of the earth.

Scientists have this explanation to the occurrence of an earthquake but, philosophically and spiritually, it is believed by holy men that, this happens only when sin increases more than the earth can bear.

There are several areas of the world that are prone to earthquakes and in these areas. India is also one. Within India the most earthquake prone areas are Gujarat, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and even Delhi. The latest in the line of occurring earthquakes is the one that came in the state of Gujarat on the 26th of January 2001.

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The intensity of the quake was so much, and the havoc it created was so immense that it may never be forgotten. It will surely be entered as a black day in the history of earthquakes not only in India but of the world.

It was the 26th of January 2001, when all were geared up to celebrate the great day of our Republic day. The time was 8.30 in the morning, when fate hit a hard blow on the people of Gujarat. The earth shook not only as a wind but also as a cruel whirlwind, and blow off life from thousands of people and rendered thousands of them homeless.

The greatest devastation occurred in Bhuj, then Ahmadabad, and Anjar, and some other smaller townships. The destruction in Bhuj has been complete for as the reports suggest 90% houses have developed crack, and 10% have crumbled to dust. With these reports we can easily understand the rate of losses and destruction. The horror stricken looks of the people alive looking for their dead in the rubble can hardly be described in words; it can all be just felt.

There is not a single family that has not lost at least one member or part of its property. With this image of Bhuj, the condition of the other places can be well ascertained.

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What builders and architects took years in making into a beautiful township, nature took just forty minutes to crumble to the ground. Witt this it is a reminder to the advanced MAN that, no matter how well he does, there is a power above man. Whom, man should keep in mind and never, just never forget. It is this thinking that gives birth to the thought that, when man goes down spiritually, God reminds man of his real worth.

This is where believers say that man remembers the Almighty and hi wrongs only when these occurrences happen.