Earthquake: Case Study of the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake

Taking the world by shock, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked Northern Pakistan during the Muslim month of Ramadan was utterly devastating. The seismic activity was traced to the fault line between the Eurasian and Indian plates—the same two plates that crashed together to form the majestic Himalayan Mountains. The constant collisions, friction and tension generated through this fault line make the region a seismic hotspot, and this specific earthquake occurred directly on the course of the agitated fault.

Consequences

The Pakistani government officially recorded a death toll of 87,250. However, most independent assessments lend that the death toll was in fact in excess of 100,000. Additionally, nearly 3.3 million were left homeless in Pakistanduring one of the coldest winter snowfalls in recent years in the region.  Furthermore, reports place that the earthquake injured 106,000. In economic terms, the damages incurred were 30,000 crore Rupees which is well over 5 billion US Dollars.

Ultimately, the damages incurred by this earthquake put a dramatic damper on one of many forward progressing regions in the area. And the death toll destroyed a significant portion of Pakistan’s current and future economic base, crippling the hopes of the country.

Citizen Response

As the earthquakes hit, most citizens of the region were praying during the holy month of Ramadan in mosques or schools. Thus, they were caught unaware and had little time to prepare. Many attempted to barricade themselves within their houses, but poorly enforced building codes allowed several of these structures to collapse and kille those within. Others tried to flee the earthquake, but the vibrations traveling through the terrain toppled and maimed them.

Significant damage occurred immediately following the earthquake. As citizens stood in a state of panic and disarray, they lost sight of medical needs and procedural safeties and risked lives to save people who were already dead and became injured themselves.

Government Response

The earthquake can in a sense be considered a unifying force, despite its terrible atrocities, for bringing together the bickering officials of India and Pakistan. Within moments of the earthquake, Indian officials in New Delhi began preparing medical units and military officers to travel to Pakistani Kashmir and extract individuals from rubble and provide stability. Additionally, the United Nations, Red Cross and the United States each provided significant manpower and funding in the days immediately following the earthquake.

However, response from Pakistani officials was limited in comparison to external forces. While officials were able to send military personnel and medical units to the fray quite quickly following the earthquake, the scene remained disorganized and fragmented until third party aid arrived. Without the relative calmness they brought, nothing could be done to quell the fears and cries of injured or saddened victims.

Sources Consulted

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