Powerful Earthquake Rocks Pakistan and Afghanistan, Killing at Least 12 People and Injuring Hundreds

On Tuesday evening, a powerful earthquake shook parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 200 others. The 6.5-magnitude quake damaged buildings, triggered landslides, and sent people into the streets. The tremors were felt as far as India.

Located near the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the earthquake's epicenter was in a mountainous region of Afghanistan's northeast. The rugged terrain and isolated location of the affected areas are expected to hinder the efforts of rescue and relief operations. Additionally, landslides have also blocked the highway in Pakistan's worst-affected Swat area, while phone lines have also been impacted.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has urged disaster agencies to implement emergency measures to assist the affected people. The earthquake's tremors were felt across a vast region spanning over 1,000 kilometers, encompassing India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.

Earthquakes are more likely in this region because it lies at the juncture of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. This region is prone to seismic activity, and this earthquake is another reminder of the threat of natural disasters.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have both experienced severe earthquakes in recent years. In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake struck Pakistan's north-eastern areas, killing over 300 people and injuring over 2,000 others. The tremors were felt in India, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. In April 2016, a 6.6-magnitude earthquake hit the same region, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 100 others.

The earthquake that struck on Tuesday is a stark reminder of the need for disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. In disaster-prone areas, governments and communities must have emergency response plans, including providing shelter, food, and medical care to those affected.

In addition, building codes must be strengthened to ensure structures can withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. This requires political will and the resources and expertise to enforce building standards.

The international community also has a role in disaster response and recovery efforts. Humanitarian aid and support can help affected communities recover and rebuild after a disaster, and international partnerships can strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacity in disaster-prone areas.

Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and storms can devastate communities and economies. The earthquake that struck Pakistan and Afghanistan on Tuesday is a reminder of the need for proactive measures to reduce the risks posed by these events. Investing in disaster preparedness and mitigation measures can reduce the impact of disasters on people's lives and livelihoods.