Editorial:
The deadliest earthquake in Afghanistan sent alarm bells across the globe. As per the US Geological Survey, the earthquake was recorded at 6.3 on the reactor scale. However, the scale of devastation is high as the earthquake has claimed 2,100 human lives so far, with thousands of injured battling for their lives in hospitals.
Unprecedented Devastation in Afghanistan
The powerful earthquake caused the collapse of thousands of mud-walled houses in Herat province and other western provinces of the war-ravaged country. Rescue workers as quoted by the media narrate heartbreaking stories about the survivors in villages.
Vulnerable Regions in Pakistan
In the context of Pakistan, most parts of the country are located in the Red Zone when it comes to earthquakes. Most parts of Azad Kashmir and other parts of the country were razed to the ground on October 8, 2005, when a powerful earthquake struck.
Balochistan’s Ongoing Risk
When we speak about Pakistan, Balochistan province, which covers half of the country in terms of area comes first. The province is prone to all-natural disasters including floods, earthquakes, droughts, and high temperatures.
Ignored Building Codes in Quetta
Quetta, the current capital of Balochistan province was razed to the ground in the deadliest 1935 earthquake when Britians were ruling on the sub-continent. The English rulers introduced a specific building code to avoid human loss in the case of future earthquakes.
Nevertheless, more than 1,000 buildings in Quetta have been constructed in the violation of building code. They all were constructed right under the nose of the officials concerned.
Impending Threats from Fault Lines
Experts have warned of earthquakes in Quetta and other parts of Pakistan. Especially, Chaman Fault, Ghazaband Fault and Chiltan Fault pose a serious threat to Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. This needs the urgent attention of the federal and provincial governments.
Inadequacy of Provincial Disaster Management
The poorly equipped Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) can distribute flour and sugar but it is not in a position to tackle such natural calamities. Rulers must learn a lesson from the Afghan earthquake and ensure the best preparations for any future natural calamities.
