• Delhi
• Tibetan Community in Dharamsala
• Pakistan
• Tsunami

• Kathmandu (NSET)

• Central Asia
• Central Asia and Caucasus Region
• GESI
• Gujarat
• Quito Retrofit Schools
• Quito Risk Management
• RADIUS

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GeoHazards International (GHI) undertook a fact-finding mission in May 2006 to determine the personnel and resources needed to conduct a seismic assessment of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and other structures of the Tibetan exile community in Dharamsala, India. In June we received a grant of $25,000 from the Flora Family Foundation to complete an initial seismic assessment of these buildings and their surroundings. The assessment, involving a team from GHI and several additional specialists, took place from September 2-5, 2006. Located in the Himalayan foothills in northern India, this community is at great earthquake risk. We view this work as a stepping stone toward strengthening the vulnerable structures in this community and undertaking even broader efforts with the dispersed Tibetan people. The following photos taken by GHI staff during the fact-finding mission in May illustrate the precarious situation, as well as some of the Tibetan cultural and historical treasures now at great risk. The majority of these items were brought out of Tibet by refugees, often at great personal risk.

View of setting of Upper Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj). Note steep slopes and significant topographic relief (high peaks shown are the Dhauladhar Range, approximately 17,000 feet in elevation). The area is close to the fault that ruptured in the 1905 Kangra earthquake.

View of the Tsuglag Khang complex. A number of closely spaced and interconnected, irregular buildings are sited on a hillside.

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