Fresh tremors rattled Delhi and several regions in Pakistan on Thursday following a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan. The quake’s epicenter was located 241 kilometers northeast of Kabul, according to the National Center for Seismology.
“Earthquake of Magnitude: 6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 & Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km, Location: Afghanistan,” the National Center for Seismology tweeted.
The seismic activity was a result of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake striking Afghanistan, causing strong tremors in neighboring regions. The impact of the quake was felt in Delhi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cities in Pakistan. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale and struck at a depth of 206.6 km, 44 km SSW of Jurm in Afghanistan at 2:50 pm on January 11.
As the news broke, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage in the affected areas. The 6.0 magnitude earthquake had its epicenter in the Hindu Kush region and occurred at a depth of 213 km, as reported by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Other cities that experienced tremors included Punjab’s Sargodha, Khushab, Mandi Bahauddin, Bhakkar, and Nowshera. In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Muzaffarabad, tremors were also felt.
The high intensity of the earthquake raised concerns about potential aftershocks in the region. Sardar Sarfaraz, the chief meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, highlighted the likelihood of aftershocks, drawing a parallel with the recent earthquake in Japan. He noted that Japan had experienced powerful aftershocks after a significant earthquake on January 1.
Pakistan is situated in a seismic region prone to frequent earthquakes and tremors of varying intensity. The country has a history of seismic activity, with earthquakes posing significant challenges to the region. The deadliest earthquake in Pakistan’s history occurred in October 2005, with a magnitude of 7.6. The earthquake, centered in Kashmir, claimed more than 74,000 lives and caused extensive destruction.
Given Pakistan’s susceptibility to seismic events, authorities are often vigilant in monitoring and responding to earthquake-related activities. Preparedness measures include public awareness campaigns, infrastructure resilience initiatives, and disaster response planning.
The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic risks faced by regions in proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. Afghanistan, located within the seismically active Himalayan region, experiences earthquakes due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The impact of such earthquakes often reverberates across neighboring countries, leading to widespread tremors.
In Delhi, the earthquake prompted residents to evacuate buildings, emphasizing the importance of earthquake readiness in densely populated urban areas. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority and other relevant agencies play crucial roles in ensuring public safety during seismic events.
While immediate reports suggest no major casualties or damage, seismic events underscore the need for continued investment in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and infrastructure resilience. Governments and communities in earthquake-prone regions must collaborate to enhance their capacity to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
As the affected areas assess the aftermath of the earthquake, regional authorities will likely conduct thorough evaluations to identify vulnerable structures and implement measures to enhance seismic resilience. The coordination of response efforts at local, national, and international levels remains essential to address the potential challenges arising from seismic activities.
The recent earthquake in Afghanistan and its ripple effects in Delhi and Pakistan highlight the unpredictable nature of seismic events in the region. While initial reports suggest no major casualties, the incident underscores the importance of proactive disaster preparedness and response measures. As communities in earthquake-prone areas remain vigilant, ongoing efforts to enhance resilience and mitigate risks will contribute to minimizing the impact of future seismic events.
