On the evening of August 5, 2023, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan, sending tremors that were felt across parts of India and Pakistan. The earthquake struck at approximately 9:31 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), with its epicenter located at Latitude 36.38 and Longitude 70.77, and at a depth of 181 kilometers, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
The impact of the earthquake was felt most significantly in Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, and on the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Residents in these areas reported feeling the ground shaking, leading many to rush out of their homes in panic. In Jammu and Kashmir, the tremors were felt in Rajouri, Srinagar, Gulmarg, and the Katra region, which serves as the base camp for the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Cities in Pakistan, including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, also experienced the tremors.
Fortunately, despite the intensity of the earthquake, there have been no reports of casualties or major damages so far. However, the incident has left residents in affected areas on edge as it was the third earthquake to jolt Jammu and Kashmir on that day. Earlier, the region experienced two other earthquakes, one originating in Pakistan and another in the Hindu Kush region, at 8:36 AM and 10:24 AM, respectively.
The Hindu Kush mountain range, situated near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, has been known for frequent seismic activity, making Afghanistan prone to earthquakes. The region’s geological positioning contributes to the potential for seismic disturbances.
The NCS confirmed the details of the earthquake in a tweet, stating, “Earthquake of Magnitude: 5.8, Occurred on 05-08-2023, 21:31:48 IST, Lat: 36.38 & Long: 70.77, Depth: 181 Km, Location: Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan.”
In a separate incident, on the same day, an earthquake of magnitude 5.2 hit Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir at 8:36 AM, with a depth of 129 kilometers. The NCS had also reported an earthquake of 4.3 magnitude in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the early hours of Thursday.
Authorities in the affected regions are closely monitoring the situation and assessing any potential damage. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols in the event of further seismic activity.
Earthquakes serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of our planet’s geology, highlighting the importance of earthquake preparedness and infrastructure resilience in vulnerable regions. As experts continue to study and understand the seismic activity in these areas, it is essential for governments and communities to prioritize disaster preparedness and response measures to safeguard lives and property.
Sources By Agencies
