Earthquake Hits Pakistan: 5.2 Richter Scale

Early Morning Tremors Rattle the Nation

In the early hours of Friday, Pakistan experienced an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The tremor was felt widely, causing concern among residents and authorities.

Earthquake Epicentre and Depth

The epicentre of the earthquake was recorded at a depth of 135 kilometers. Experts note that deeper earthquakes generally produce less severe surface shaking compared to shallow ones. Shallow earthquakes tend to be more destructive, as seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, intensifying ground movement and increasing the risk of structural damage and casualties.

Seismic Hotspot: The Region at Risk

Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India lie within one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. This collision zone frequently triggers moderate to strong earthquakes, often felt across national borders due to the proximity of major fault lines.

Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes

Pakistan is traversed by several significant fault lines, making it highly susceptible to violent earthquakes. Provinces such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab sit on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate. This geological positioning contributes to frequent seismic activity across the country.

Balochistan: The High-Risk Frontier

Balochistan is particularly vulnerable due to its location near the active boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it a hotspot for strong earthquakes.

Punjab and Sindh: Areas of Moderate Risk

Punjab, situated on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate, experiences notable seismic activity, though less intense than Balochistan. Sindh, while comparatively less prone, remains at risk due to its proximity to tectonic boundaries.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s geographic position along major tectonic plate boundaries underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and resilient infrastructure. With several provinces lying in high-risk zones, monitoring and mitigation efforts remain critical to minimizing damage and safeguarding lives.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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