A 5.0 magnitude earthquake jolted Pakistan on Saturday, according to seismic monitoring agencies. The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, raising concerns about potential aftershocks. Seismic waves from such shallow events travel shorter distances, intensifying ground shaking and increasing the risk of damage and casualties. Pakistan frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location in a highly active collision zone of tectonic plates. Provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are particularly vulnerable, situated on the edges of the Eurasian and Indian plates. The region has a history of significant seismic events, including the devastating 1945 Balochistan earthquake, which registered a massive 8.1 magnitude, marking it as the country’s most powerful recorded earthquake. This ongoing seismic vulnerability underscores the importance of preparedness and robust infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas.
