Earthquake Chaos! Punjab Residents Flee Homes as 5.2 Magnitude Quake Hits Amritsar, Lahore, and Beyond!
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On December 5, 2024, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck parts of Punjab, India, with tremors strongly felt in Amritsar and Firozpur. Around the same time, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake jolted cities in Punjab, Pakistan, including Lahore and Gujrat.
Earthquake Details
In India, the quake struck at 11:51 AM IST, with its epicenter near Mehmand Chak, Punjab, Pakistan, approximately 7.2 km from the Indian border at a depth of 10 km. The tremors caused significant panic, as residents in Amritsar and Firozpur rushed out of their homes.
In Pakistan, the tremors were felt around noon, with the epicenter near Kharian, Punjab, at a depth of 15 km. Multiple cities, including Jhelum, Kamalia, Khanewal, and Chichawatni, reported feeling the tremors.
Impact and Response
Fortunately, no immediate casualties or major damage were reported on either side of the border. However, emergency teams in both countries are on high alert. In India, safety inspections are underway in affected areas, while in Pakistan, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has initiated building inspections to ensure structural integrity.
Seismic Activity in the Region
This earthquake underscores the region's vulnerability due to its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. These geological conditions make the area prone to frequent seismic activity.
Understanding Earthquakes
Earthquakes occur due to movements in the Earth’s seven tectonic plates. Fault lines form where these plates collide, and the buildup of pressure can lead to cracks and the release of energy, causing ground vibrations.
Earthquake Intensity and Effects
>0 to 1.9: Weak, detectable only with instruments.
>2 to 2.9: Slight, rarely felt.
>3 to 3.9: Feels like a heavy vehicle passing nearby.
>4 to 4.9: May break windows or dislodge objects from walls.
>5 to 5.9: Moderate, causing furniture to shake.
>6 to 6.9: Can cause structural damage to buildings.
>7 to 7.9: Dangerous, with collapses and pipeline breaks.
>8 and Above: Catastrophic, causing widespread destruction and tsunamis.
