New Delhi, Feb. 27 -- On 17 February, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Delhi-NCR, not strong enough to cause damage, but powerful enough to cause concern. Too often, mild tremors are brushed aside as routine, yet they are stark reminders of India's seismic vulnerability.

With nearly 59% of the country's landmass at varying degrees of risk, the real question is not if a major quake will strike, but when. While this is a region-specific, once-in-150-year event, should it occur, we would need financing for the four 'R's of rescue, relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation. India has a robust disaster risk financing mechanism, but needs to focus on insurance and ring-fencing in preparation for a significant seismic event.

Loss and damage: ...