The BRICS TimesA 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Pakistan on Friday, causing panic among residents. The epicenter was 135 km deep underground. Tremors were also felt in neighboring Afghanistan.
Strong earthquake tremors were felt in Pakistan early Friday morning (November 21). Panic struck several areas as people rushed out of their homes in fear. According to the National Center for Seismology, the quake measured 5.2 on the Richter scale. Its center was roughly 135 kilometers below the ground. Thankfully, there are no reports of damage or loss of life so far.
Tremors Felt in Afghanistan Too
Earthquake tremors were also reported in Afghanistan. India’s National Center for Seismology stated that the first tremor occurred at 1:59 AM. This happened in Afghanistan at a depth of 190 kilometers. A second and stronger tremor followed at 3:09 AM in Pakistan. This one had an intensity of 5.2.
Why Shallow Quakes Matter
Seismologists explain that shallow earthquakes are often more dangerous than deep ones. Seismic waves from shallow quakes reach the surface much faster. This causes the ground to shake violently. It increases the chance of damage to buildings. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and North India lie in a very active seismic zone. The Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide here. This causes frequent mild and strong earthquakes in the region.
Why is Pakistan Vulnerable?
Pakistan sits on top of several major fault lines. This creates a constant risk of earthquakes in the country. The impact often reaches neighboring nations as well. Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan fall on the southern part of the Eurasian plate. Meanwhile, Punjab and Sindh sit on the northwestern part of the Indian plate. This geological setup causes frequent tremors in these areas.
Balochistan is Most Sensitive
Balochistan is the most sensitive region for seismic activity. It lies close to the active border line of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. Punjab also experiences tremors from time to time due to its tectonic position. The danger is slightly lower in Sindh. However, being on the edge of the plate means it is not fully safe either.
