Aftershocks not a cause to panic
November 10th, 2008Director General, Geological Survey of Pakistan, Dr Imran Khan said there is no need to panic at the time of aftershocks as they gradually subside after continuing for some time.
As a result of 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Balochistan, the energy stored inside the earth is released reducing the chances of any major earthquake for a long time to come, he said in an interview with GEO TV.
Pakistan’s terrain has hundreds of faultlines, large and small, but every faultline cannot cause an earthquake. However, only active faultlines can cause earthquakes, he informed.
The DG said aftershocks can prove to be dangerous as a major earthquake but their intensity depends on the rate of change in sub-surface of earth.
If any block inside the earth is moving, the aftershocks would continue to occur till the time that block settles down, Dr. Imran added. Listing the steps needed to cope with an earthquake, Imran Khan said it is better to evacuate the houses which are built on
slopes. Leaving homes is important as big boulders can fall causing devastation in mountainous areas. He said after the major earthquake of 7.6 magnitude in October 2005, many changes occurred in the sub-surface of affected areas.
He said Geological Survey through its research programmes has been presenting facts to the government to make people aware about measures to cope with any natural calamity.
In Northern Areas, Balochistan and Islamabad, stations meant to keep data on earthquake are operating. The data is forwarded to other government departments for a coordinated response.