Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi
Earthquakes, those sudden and often catastrophic seismic events, have intrigued and terrified humanity throughout history. But what really causes these tremors? Below the Earth’s surface, a complex interaction of geological forces exists, making it crucial to understand their origins for both scientific research and disaster preparedness.
The main trigger for earthquakes is the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates. The lithosphere, the Earth’s outer layer, is divided into numerous large and smaller plates that are constantly in motion, interacting at their boundaries. There are several types of plate boundaries: divergent boundaries, where plates pull apart, forming mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys; convergent boundaries, where plates collide and one is forced beneath another, creating immense pressure that can lead to significant earthquakes and volcanic activity; and transform boundaries, where plates slide past each other, causing stress to build up along fault lines until it’s released as an earthquake. Faults are fractures in the crust where rocks have shifted, and earthquakes can occur either gradually or suddenly along these lines. The point of rupture within the Earth is called the focus, while the surface point directly above is the epicenter.
It’s important to remember that earthquakes can also occur within tectonic plates, known as intraplate earthquakes, which, though less common, can still be destructive. These happen when stress builds up due to ancient fault lines, volcanic activity, or even human activities like mining. Volcanic activity closely relates to seismic events, as magma movement creates pressure that can lead to earthquakes, especially during eruptions. Additionally, human activities such as mining and reservoir filling can induce earthquakes, known as anthropogenic or induced earthquakes, which, while typically smaller, can still cause significant damage.
Ultimately, earthquakes are a powerful reminder of our planet’s dynamic nature, primarily caused by tectonic plate movements. Understanding these geological processes is essential for effective forecasting, preparedness, and mitigation strategies against earthquakes. Although we can’t prevent earthquakes, we can actively reduce their impact on our lives and communities through science, engineering, and effective disaster management practices.
Pakistan lies in one of the world’s most seismically active areas, making it particularly susceptible to earthquakes. The country’s intricate geological landscape features numerous significant fault lines that threaten its population and infrastructure. Recognizing these fault lines is essential for effective disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. The Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) is a major fault line along Pakistan’s northern border, marking the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This intense interaction generates significant pressure and friction, resulting in many devastating earthquakes in the region, including the catastrophic 2005 earthquake in Kashmir. Running parallel to the HFT, the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) is another key fault line, separating the Indian plate from the overriding Eurasian plate. Earthquakes along the MBT can cause severe ground shaking, particularly affecting northern Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In the Karakoram mountain range, the Karakoram Fault exhibits strike-slip motion, where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. Although it is not as frequently active as the HFT and MBT, movements along this fault can still trigger significant seismic events. The Chaman Fault runs along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, extending from southwestern Balochistan to northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This transform fault is known for generating significant earthquakes and has a history of activity affecting both countries, posing serious risks to nearby urban areas.
In southern Pakistan, the Sulaiman Fault, located in the Sulaiman mountain range, is involved in the tectonic interactions between the Indian and Arabian plates, with the potential to produce earthquakes that impact surrounding provinces, especially Balochistan. Pakistan has a long history of seismic activity, with several notable earthquakes linked to these fault lines. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6, caused immense destruction, particularly in Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in over 86,000 fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage. The 1935 Quetta earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.7, struck Quetta, leading to approximately 30,000 deaths and extensive urban devastation. Additionally, the 1945 Makran earthquake, occurring off the coast of Balochistan, generated a tsunami that affected coastal areas, underscoring the hazards of offshore seismic activity.
Understanding these fault lines and their associated risks is essential for earthquake preparedness in Pakistan. Geological surveys and seismic mapping are crucial for identifying active faults and assessing risks. Ongoing research is necessary to update hazard assessments and guide urban planning. Implementing strict building codes to ensure earthquake-resistant structures can significantly mitigate the impact of seismic events. Training architects and engineers in seismic design is vital for enhancing building resilience. Moreover, raising public awareness about earthquake preparedness and safety measures is essential, with community drills and educational programs equipping residents to respond effectively during an earthquake. Improving and implementing early warning systems can provide critical seconds to minutes of advance notice, enabling people to take cover and reduce casualties.
I still vividly remember the devastating earthquake of 2005 and witnessed firsthand its destruction, as well as the subsequent search, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts.
Due to my professional commitments, I was assigned to a sensitive location in Punjab. Our mobility was limited because of the nature of the project, requiring proper authorization to leave the site. Alongside me was another engineer, and our task was to carry out repairs and maintenance on a piece of machinery. We arrived at our destination late at night on October 7, 2005, and received a warm welcome. A lavish and delicious dinner was served before we retired to our assigned sleeping quarters. The following day, October 8, 2005, began like any other, with bright sunshine and an unsettling silence in the air. We woke up early, had breakfast, and then headed to the location of the faulty machine. At 8:30 am, we conducted a preliminary inspection, reviewing the machine’s manual and diagnostic procedures. Several trucks were parked nearby. While my colleague and I spoke with the machine’s operators, the clock struck 8:52 am, and suddenly the ground began to shake violently. Intense seismic tremors rocked the area, causing the parked trucks to sway. Our immediate instinct was to sit down and recite the Kalma. The violent shaking lasted about 60 seconds before gradually easing.
Once things calmed down, my first thought naturally turned to my family—a common reaction in such crises. My parents, siblings, wife, and our newborn daughter (just four days old at the time, affectionately dubbed the ‘earthquake baby’) were in Islamabad, while the rest of my family lived in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including Muzaffarabad. I couldn’t help but think that if the earthquake was this intense where we were, it must have been even worse in the hilly areas nearby. I felt overwhelmed with distress and worry. My colleague and I rushed to the office of the controlling authority.
The chief was remarkably supportive. Mobile phones were not as common back then, and the powerful tremors had severely disrupted communication lines. He informed me that, according to reports, Muzaffarabad and Islamabad had experienced extensive damage. His words hit me like an atomic bomb, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. I was unable to reach my family in either Islamabad or Muzaffarabad, as phones in those areas were down. The chief kindly issued us a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to facilitate our departure. While we had our company’s mobile phone, it lacked signal during our journey on the link road to the motorway. As soon as I finally got a signal, I called my family in Islamabad. They assured me they were safe but mentioned they couldn’t reach other family members in Muzaffarabad. They also relayed that the Margalla Towers in Islamabad had collapsed and that Muzaffarabad had been severely affected. I returned to Islamabad, and later that evening, I learned more about the situation in Muzaffarabad, Balakot, and other impacted areas, which was far from hopeful. My family experienced injuries and property damage, but thankfully, we didn’t lose any lives. Still, as a compassionate person, I mourned for those who did. Reports on casualties and losses later revealed even grimmer statistics. The earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, struck various regions of AJK and KPK, with the official death toll reaching 87,350 in November 2005, though estimates suggested it could exceed 100,000. About 38,000 people were injured, and over 3.5 million were rendered homeless, including 19,000 children who tragically died in collapsing school buildings. The disaster profoundly affected more than 500,000 families, resulted in the loss of around 250,000 farm animals, and left over 500,000 large animals in desperate need of shelter from the winter. Additionally, over 780,000 buildings were either destroyed or severely damaged. Many structures remained unusable for extended periods, including around 17,000 school buildings and most major hospitals near the epicenter, which were either destroyed or heavily damaged. Critical infrastructure, particularly key roads and highways, suffered severe impacts, with landslides and bridge failures leading to closures. Some areas were cut off by land routes for up to three months after the earthquake. Power, water supply, and telecommunication services experienced varying disruptions, although most were restored within a few weeks. The earthquake triggered extensive landslides, especially in the midslope areas along the fault line, creating a dense band of landslides that quickly diminished with distance from the rupture zone. Nearly all were shallow, disaggregated slides, with two exceeding 0.1 square kilometers in size. Subsequent reports indicated that the losses were far greater than initially assessed.
The first agency to respond was the Pakistan Army, which quickly launched urgent rescue and relief operations. Their helicopters made continuous flights in affected areas to evacuate and transport the injured to hospitals. They played a crucial role in various aspects of rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and infrastructure restoration, also facilitating access for United Nations and other relief agencies. In such critical moments, the army’s involvement was remarkable.
One of the army’s key functions during an earthquake is search and rescue. Military personnel are trained in urban search and rescue operations, focusing on locating and retrieving survivors trapped under debris. They often deploy specialized units equipped with advanced technologies, such as drones and thermal imaging devices, to assess damage and find those in need of help. The army also plays a vital role in providing medical aid. Military hospitals and personnel can mobilize quickly to deliver emergency medical care, trauma services, and psychological support, with field hospitals established when local facilities are overwhelmed or damaged.
In the aftermath of an earthquake, the urgent need for food, water, and medical supplies is paramount. The military excels in logistics and supply chain management, enabling them to rapidly transport supplies to remote or hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that affected populations receive necessary aid promptly. The army’s capabilities include establishing distribution points and coordinating with local authorities to facilitate aid delivery. Army engineers play a crucial role in assessing and repairing critical infrastructure, evaluating the safety of buildings, bridges, and roads, and initiating necessary repairs. This work is essential for restoring transportation networks and ensuring effective emergency service operations. Beyond immediate repairs, the army supports long-term reconstruction efforts, with military engineers involved in rebuilding damaged structures and implementing improved designs to enhance resilience against future earthquakes. Their expertise is vital in prioritizing safety and sustainability in reconstruction. In the chaos that often follows an earthquake, maintaining public order is critical; the military can assist law enforcement in preventing looting, managing crowds, and ensuring orderly and fair aid distribution. Their presence fosters a sense of security among the affected communities. The army collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and international aid groups, leveraging its crisis management expertise to coordinate disaster response effectively. This ensures resources are optimized, and communities receive necessary support. The army’s role in earthquake response includes educating the public on safety, evacuation, and first aid, empowering residents for effective action during seismic events. Collaborating with local authorities, they help develop resilient infrastructure and responsive community systems. By promoting preparedness, the military plays a proactive role in mitigating future earthquake impacts.
The Pakistan Army was pivotal in responding to this natural disaster, demonstrating effectiveness and dedication. Following the earthquake, they quickly mobilized for search and rescue, deploying units to heavily affected areas like Muzaffarabad and Balakot. With many trapped under debris, military personnel used their training and equipment to locate survivors, while the engineering corps cleared rubble with heavy machinery. They established field hospitals to provide urgent medical care as local facilities were overwhelmed, treating injuries and offering psychological support. The army also managed the evacuation of critically injured individuals. A significant challenge was coordinating humanitarian aid, which the army handled by ensuring food, water, and medical supplies reached those in need, even in remote areas. Additionally, military engineers assessed and restored essential infrastructure like buildings, roads, and bridges. They began repairs and reconstruction, prioritizing essential infrastructure to support ongoing relief and aid distribution. This was vital for reconnecting communities and restoring normalcy. In the chaotic aftermath of the earthquake, maintaining public order was crucial. The Pakistan Army teamed up with law enforcement to deter looting, manage crowds, and ensure equitable aid distribution, fostering a sense of security in affected areas. Their role in coordinating the disaster response was essential, working with local governments, NGOs, and international groups to enhance aid effectiveness and ensure resources reached those in need. In the months and years after the earthquake, the Pakistan Army continued its rehabilitation efforts, engaging with local communities to identify needs and align recovery initiatives with their aspirations. This collaboration built trust and was crucial for effective recovery. Their involvement extended to long-term reconstruction, including the construction of new schools, hospitals, and homes, with a focus on earthquake-resistant structures to bolster community resilience against future seismic events. This dedication to rebuilding both physical infrastructure and community spirit significantly contributed to the overall recovery process.
The Pakistan Army has long been a pillar of national resilience, offering vital support during natural disasters that frequently affect the country. Their remarkable efforts during various crises, such as devastating earthquakes and catastrophic floods, have saved countless lives and facilitated recovery. During the 2010 floods, which impacted millions, particularly in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the army launched extensive rescue operations using helicopters and boats to evacuate stranded families and reached remote communities cut off by rising waters. They coordinated the distribution of food, clean water, and essential supplies, established relief camps, and set up mobile medical units to treat health emergencies.
On October 26, 2015, a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck northern Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan, causing significant damage, especially near the border. The Pakistan Army quickly deployed rescue teams, collaborating with civil authorities and NGOs to assist victims and assess damaged infrastructure for public safety. The unprecedented floods of 2022, resulting from heavy monsoon rains, caused widespread devastation, prompting the army to launch extensive operations to rescue stranded individuals and establish relief camps, providing crucial food, water, and medical assistance to displaced families. The army collaborated closely with various humanitarian organizations to enhance the effectiveness of their efforts. In the aftermath, they committed to rebuilding homes and infrastructure with a focus on flood-resistant designs to reduce future risks.
The role of the Pakistan Army during disasters is noteworthy, with the 2005 earthquake serving as a prime example of their dedication. They provided a powerful response to those questioning the army’s purpose, demonstrating their commitment even as thousands of personnel lost their lives in the disaster. The army was at the forefront of rescue operations, prioritizing civilian safety while mourning their own losses, showing no distinction between military and civilian during these efforts. The nation recognizes and takes pride in the army’s extraordinary contributions during the 2005 earthquake, knowing they stand firm in times of crisis and disaster.
