Second Major Earthquake Hits Pakistan Within Hours
Pakistan was rocked by a second earthquake on Saturday morning, measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale. This powerful tremor struck just hours after an earlier 4.0 magnitude quake had hit the region during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, creating significant concern among residents and authorities.
The second, more powerful earthquake was primarily felt in parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to reports from the National Center for Seismology (NCS). Seismologists have highlighted that both earthquakes were relatively shallow, with the first one recorded at a depth of just 10 kilometers, which significantly increases their potential impact on surface structures.
Increased Danger from Shallow Earthquakes
Experts from the NCS have warned that these shallow earthquakes pose a greater risk than deeper ones. “Shallow earthquakes tend to produce more intense shaking,” an NCS official explained, adding that “when seismic energy has less distance to travel, the impact at the surface is significantly stronger.” This heightened surface intensity puts buildings and infrastructure in the affected zones at a much higher risk of damage.
The back-to-back seismic events have raised concerns about aftershocks, which could continue to affect the region in the coming days. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially those living in structures that might have been weakened by the initial tremors.
Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Seismic Activity
Pakistan’s geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to earthquakes. The country sits at the collision point of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating one of the world’s most seismically active regions. This positioning along major fault lines regularly generates moderate to strong earthquakes throughout the country.
“This region is one of the most seismically active in the world,” a senior geologist with the NCS explained. “The interaction between major tectonic plates in this zone routinely generates moderate to strong earthquakes.”
Response and Damage Assessment
While authorities continue to assess the situation, no major casualties or significant structural damage have been reported from either earthquake as of Saturday afternoon. However, the full extent of the impact may take time to determine, especially in more remote areas of the affected provinces.
Pakistan’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre is closely tracking developments and coordinating with local disaster response teams. Security forces and emergency services remain on high alert to respond to any reports of damage or injuries resulting from the earthquakes.
Understanding Earthquake Magnitude
For context, earthquakes between 5.5 and 6.0 on the Richter scale can cause slight damage to buildings, while those between 6.1 and 6.9 are considered capable of causing serious damage. The 5.7 magnitude of Saturday’s second quake places it in the category where structural damage is possible, particularly to older or poorly constructed buildings.
Conclusion
As Pakistan continues to monitor the aftermath of these twin earthquakes, residents in the affected areas are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and follow safety guidelines. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in seismically active regions and the need for resilient infrastructure that can withstand such natural disasters.
Authorities will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available about the impact of these seismic events.
