A 5.0 magnitude earthquake jolted Pakistan on Saturday, prompting immediate attention from seismological experts. The earthquake originated at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers, a characteristic that often heightens the likelihood of aftershocks and subsequent damage.
The seismic event was precisely located at latitude 31.19 N and longitude 71.04 E. Experts caution that shallower earthquakes typically result in more severe ground motion due to the shorter path seismic waves must travel to reach the surface. This intensified shaking poses a greater threat to infrastructure and can lead to increased risks for the population.
Pakistan’s persistent vulnerability to earthquakes is deeply rooted in its geological setting. The nation is crisscrossed by numerous significant fault lines, a direct result of its position within a complex tectonic collision zone. Key provinces such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are positioned along the Eurasian plate’s southern boundary. Meanwhile, Sindh and Punjab are situated near the Indian plate’s northwestern edge, contributing to the region’s frequent seismic activity.
Balochistan’s proximity to the active boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian plates makes it a hotspot for seismic events. Punjab, located on the Indian plate’s edge, also faces significant risks. While Sindh is generally less affected, its geographical position still warrants attention. The region’s seismic history includes the colossal 1945 Balochistan earthquake, registering a magnitude of 8.1, underscoring the potential for catastrophic seismic activity in Pakistan.