On Wednesday afternoon, tremors were felt across various parts of northern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, sending waves of concern throughout the region. The earthquake, recorded at a magnitude of 5.8 by the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ), struck Pakistan at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).
Residents in cities such as Peshawar, Islamabad, and Lahore in Pakistan, and New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir in India reported experiencing the tremors. Videos circulating on social media showed items like ceiling fans and chairs shaking, further emphasizing the magnitude’s impact, albeit brief.
The National Center for Seismology in India confirmed the earthquake occurred at 12:58 pm IST. So far, no reports of material damage or casualties have surfaced, but authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
This tremor marks the second instance within two weeks in northern India, following an August 29 earthquake of magnitude 5.7 originating from Afghanistan. As seismic activity becomes more frequent in this region, concerns grow over the vulnerability of South Asia to earthquakes.
Seismic Activity in South Asia: A Historical Context
South Asia, particularly Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, sits on one of the most tectonically active regions in the world due to the Indian plate pushing northward into the Eurasian plate. This movement results in frequent earthquakes across the region, with varying intensities.
In Pakistan, the country has been no stranger to seismic activity. Earlier this year, on June 3, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake shook parts of Pakistan, including its capital, Islamabad. The epicenter of that quake was located in southeastern Afghanistan at a depth of 98 kilometers. It affected several regions, including Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, and North Waziristan. Fortunately, no significant loss of life or property was reported.
However, Pakistan has also experienced its share of devastating earthquakes. In 2005, a catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 ravaged the northern regions of the country, claiming over 74,000 lives and leaving many more displaced. The tragedy underscored the country’s vulnerability to seismic events due to its geographical location on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
India too has faced its share of tremors, particularly in northern regions like Delhi, which lies in Seismic Zone IV, making it prone to moderate to severe earthquakes. The Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, a major geological structure extending from the Aravali Mountain belt beneath the Ganga plains, is a key factor contributing to the area’s seismic activity. Despite the mild tremors recorded recently, residents remain on high alert, with memories of past quakes heightening their awareness of the potential dangers.
How Vulnerable Is South Asia to Earthquakes?
South Asia’s vulnerability to earthquakes stems from its geographical location on the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Indian plate, which pushes northward into the Eurasian plate, creates a zone of intense tectonic activity, making the region highly prone to earthquakes. The Himalayas, one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world, continue to rise due to this tectonic collision, causing frequent seismic disturbances across India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal.
The seismic threat is particularly prominent in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, where the plates converge at critical points, making them susceptible to both minor and major quakes. In Afghanistan, the Hindu Kush mountain range is a notable source of frequent tremors. The country has been rocked by significant quakes over the years, including the 5.7-magnitude earthquake on August 29, 2023, that originated 255 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.
Delhi, located in Seismic Zone IV, is no stranger to earthquakes. Its proximity to the Himalayan fault line, coupled with the geological complexities of the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge, leaves the city vulnerable. Experts warn that the increased frequency of mild tremors in recent years could be a precursor to larger, more damaging seismic events.
Pakistan’s position on the boundary of two major tectonic plates further increases the country’s seismic risk. The 2005 earthquake remains a grim reminder of the catastrophic damage that these natural events can cause. Given the densely populated nature of South Asia, even moderate earthquakes have the potential to cause significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life.
Preparedness and Mitigation: The Way Forward for South Asia
As South Asia continues to grapple with seismic activity, the question arises: How prepared is the region for future earthquakes? Both Pakistan and India have developed earthquake monitoring systems, but the effectiveness of these systems during major quakes remains to be tested. In India, the National Center for Seismology provides regular updates on seismic events, but more needs to be done to ensure that the public is adequately prepared for large-scale disasters.
In Pakistan, the National Seismic Monitoring Centre plays a similar role, offering real-time data and information on earthquakes. However, challenges such as outdated infrastructure, dense populations, and limited disaster preparedness programs pose significant risks. The 2005 earthquake highlighted the need for stronger building codes, more resilient infrastructure, and robust emergency response systems.
For both countries, public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of building regulations in high-risk areas are crucial steps in mitigating the effects of future earthquakes.
Investment in modern earthquake-resistant infrastructure and technology can save lives and reduce economic losses. Additionally, cross-border collaboration between India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in sharing seismic data and disaster response strategies could greatly improve the region’s ability to withstand future tremors.
As the recent earthquakes demonstrate, South Asia remains highly vulnerable to seismic events. While mild tremors may not cause immediate damage, they serve as stark reminders of the underlying risks.
With proper preparedness, advanced monitoring, and regional cooperation, the region can better protect itself from the devastating impacts of future earthquakes.
