Why is bamboo a preferred material for indigenous earthquake-resistant construction in the state of Assam?

The correct answer is - It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and high flexibility Key Points Assam is located in Seismic Zone V , making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. Bamboo is an ideal material for seismic zones because it is lightweight yet incredibly strong. Its flexibility allows bamboo structures to sway and absorb seismic energy without snapping or collapsing, unlike rigid masonry or unreinforced concrete. Furthermore, because bamboo structures have low mass, the inertial forces acting on the building during an earthquake are significantly lower. Additional Information Traditional 'Assam-type' houses often use bamboo-reinforced walls (Ikra) which are lightweight and safe. Bamboo is also renewable and locally available, making it a sustainable choice for disaster-resilient housing. Modern engineering is now incorporating bamboo into composite materials to create high-performance, earthquake-resistant building components.