THE JABALPUR EARTHQUAKE OF MAY 22, 1997

The Jabalpur earthquake of magnitude 5.8 occurred on May 22, 1997 alon g seismically active Narmada-Son Lineament (NSL) in central India, wit h its epicenter about 30 km southeast of Jabalpur. A maximum intensity I-o = VIII on MM scale was observed in Jabalpur and surrounding regio n. The isoseismal map prepared for this earthquake shows NE-SW trend w hich in general agrees with the focal mechanism solution indicating th rust faulting along a ENE-WSW fault with minor strike-slip component. Several ground cracks mapped in meizoseismal area show a dominant N75 degrees E trend. The damage pattern of the constructions clearly shows a strong correlation with lithology, structures and soil cover of the area. There are no foreshocks reported for this earthquake and only a few aftershocks are recorded, which warrant a close monitoring of thi s region.