PMD warns of more aftershocks for a week or two

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the series of aftershocks will continue till the next week or two and advised the people to abandon buildings that have been affected by the violent 8.1 magnitude’s earthquake on Monday.
A geophysicist even believes this violent earthquake could be a foreshock before a more violent earthquake in near future as this region is lying on a shallow faultline.
Hazrat Mir, Chief Meteorologist of PMD, while talking to The News said that after the major shock of 8.1 total six to seven aftershocks have been recorded and the magnitude of these aftershocks have been recorded from 3.4 to 5.3 on the Richter scale. He said the aftershocks’ magnitude could reach to six on the Richter scale.
“The series of the aftershocks would continue till a week or two therefore the people should immediately vacate buildings which have been damaged as a result of the recent earthquake,” commented Hazrat Mir.
Umar Manzoor, a geophysicist while talking to The News warned this 8.1 magnitude’s earthquake could actually be a foreshock before a major violent earthquake as the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) are passing through near the Margallah Hills.
He said Pakistan is situated near the Hidukush range of mountains, where earthquakes are almost frequent; therefore an earthquake of average intensity can occur any time in Islamabad and northwestern areas of the country.
The region in which Pakistan is situated did come under a severe tremor after a few years that cause a large-scale destruction, claimed Umar.
Active waves are continuously been passing through this region and whenever they enter into a weak zone they cause the earthquake. This region, the Hindukush range, is situated on a weak zone therefore there is always a possibility of earthquake whenever the active waves pass through this region.
“Keeping in view the nature of geological position of Pakistan there is a strong need to improve

the building infrastructure in order to avoid any untoward incident in the wake of earthquakes. The government should introduce and effective building safety policy that they should be built shockproof buildings which could at least bear 9 to 10 magnitude’s earthquake,” commented Umar.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on the other hand while issuing the safety and precautionary measures to avoid any damage from the aftershocks has advised people to stay calm and check for unstable objects and other hazards above and around you.
The authority in its safety guidelines has also appealed that the people should stay out of the damaged buildings and check their home for structural damage and other hazards and if they suspect that their home is unsafe, do not re-enter.
As per guidelines the first thing after the earthquake people should do is that they should inspect gas, water and electric lines for any damages and leaks. If in doubt put the main switches off.
“Put on sturdy shoes and protective clothing to help prevent injury from debris, especially broken glass. If you are near a coastline in a high risk area, immediately move inland or to higher ground and remain there until officials declare the area safe,” the guidelines suggest.