A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan on Saturday, causing concern among residents and geological experts. The seismic event’s shallow depth of 10 km is a critical factor, as it tends to produce more intense ground shaking and raises the probability of subsequent aftershocks. This phenomenon is due to the shorter path seismic waves must travel to reach the Earth’s surface.
Pakistan’s location is intrinsically linked to its high seismic risk, as it is positioned within a zone of significant tectonic plate interaction. Major faults traverse the country, making it prone to powerful earthquakes. Provinces such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are situated on the Eurasian plate, while Punjab and Sindh rest on the Indian plate. This tectonic setting, marked by the convergence of the Arabian and Eurasian plates, is responsible for the frequent seismic activity observed in the nation. A prior earthquake of magnitude 4.6 occurred just days before, on October 5, reinforcing the awareness of the ongoing geological pressures.