On 26 January 2001 an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale devastated the Indian state of Gujarat. The shock waves lasted about two minutes, followed by aftershocks for more than a month. With a death toll exceeding 20,000 the city of Bhuj sustained the most casualties with whole blocks were reduced to rubble and areas damaged beyond comprehension.

Amid the rubble and devastation a number of buildings constructed with Indian Qpanel remained standing and relatively undamaged. Impressed by this performance the JNTU College of Engineering immediately sent Dr N. V. Rao, Professor of Civil Engineering, to investigate and report.