A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Pakistan on 24 th September 2019,
killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 450. The quake's epicenter was close to
the city of Mirpur, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The Mirpur earthquake was comparatively small. It was also shallow, meaning that a
significant area will have suffered high peak ground accelerations. After Tuesday's
earthquake, tremors were felt as far away as the capital of Pakistan and many other
cities including Jhelum, Dina, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
History of Kashmir’s Earthquake - Broken City, Broken Promises
The 8 th October 2005 earthquake in Kashmir is remembered as one of the worst natural
disasters in South Asia. Thousands of people died in that powerful quake in the area.
Since the 7.6 magnitude earthquake on 8 th October 2005, the town is still reeling from
the massive devastation it experienced - economically and emotionally.
Images of Lateral Spreading of Earthquake on 24 September 2019
Measures taken by the Government to cope with the situation
The Government of Pakistan has expressed deep grief over this natural disaster and
asked that organizations like National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and
Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) must complete rescue
operations on war footing grounds. It also appealed the nation to stand with the
affectees in this hour of need.
The role of Military in the Pakistan Earthquake
Pakistan's military said, aviation and medical support teams had been dispatched to the
area. Relief operations are ongoing, army is providing logistical and medical support to
assist those affected.
As usual, it is difficult at the moment to ascertain the full extent of these types of
impacts.This should become apparent in the days ahead.
References:
1. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49814309
2. https://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2019/09/25/mirpur-earthquake-1/
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