A major earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on Tuesday, with strong tremors also felt in northern India.
Massive Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan
A powerful earth tremors measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale rocked Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on Tuesday, causing strong tremors felt as far away as northern India. The United States Geological Survey reported that the epicentre of the quake was located in Jurm, Afghanistan, at a depth of 180 kilometers. The earthquake resulted in at least nine deaths in neighboring Pakistan. Rescue teams are working to assess the damage and provide aid to affected areas.
Several regions in India, including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh, also reported feeling the these tremors. Geological experts have suggested that the earthquake was caused by the collision of the Indo-Australian plate with the Eurasian plate. As of now, there have been no reports of any casualties or damage to property in India so far.
What Earthquake Experts say?
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) officials have reported that the earthquake had a depth of 156km. J L Gautam from the NCS has stated that the strong tremors felt in the Delhi-NCR region were due to the earthquake’s great depth. He advised people living in highrise buildings to take refuge under a table or sit next to beams instead of attempting to access an open area during an Earth tremors, as quakes last for a very short period.
Earthquakes In Hindu Kush Region
The Hindu Kush region is prone to seismic activity because it is located at the boundary of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. The collision of these two plates causes seismic activity, which can result in quakes. The Indian plate is moving northwards and colliding with the Eurasian plate, resulting in the uplift of the Himalayan mountain range and causing high seismic activity in the region. This makes the Hindu Kush region one of the most seismically active areas in the world.
Earthquakes Continue to Remain Unpredictable Despite Advances in Seismology
Despite advances in seismology, these Tectonic movement remain unpredictable and can occur without warning. Scientists and researchers continue to study seismic activity to better understand the causes and patterns of earthquakes. However, predicting the exact timing and magnitude of an earthquake remains a difficult task, and there is no foolproof method to accurately predict when and where an earthquake will occur. Therefore, it is crucial to be prepared for earthquakes and have plans in place for emergency situations.
Safety Measures During and After These Events
During an earthquake, it is important to stay calm and take the following measures:
- Drop, cover, and hold on: Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, or crouch down and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, or anything that could fall on you.
- If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
- If you are driving, pull over to a clear area and stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
In the aftermath of an earth tremors, it is important to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. For that these measure can be taken:
- Check yourself and others for injuries and seek medical attention if needed.
- Check for gas leaks, turn off the gas if you smell gas, and avoid using open flames or electrical appliances until you are sure it is safe to do so.
- Check for damage to your home and property and evacuate if necessary.
- Follow the advice of local authorities and stay tuned to emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions.