ISLAMABAD: Amid widespread rumors circulating on social media about an imminent strong earthquake in Pakistan, the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) has refuted the claims, emphasizing that predicting earthquakes with accuracy is impossible.
Netizens on social media platforms shared information allegedly from the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS) and Dutch scientist Frank Hoogerbeets, suggesting a surge in electric activity along Balochistan’s Chaman fault lines, indicating a potential powerful earthquake in Pakistan. However, the PMD swiftly dismissed these speculations, stating that the time and location of earthquakes cannot be accurately foretold.
strong fluctuations – potential for strong to major seismic event pic.twitter.com/8OhAv363mp
— SSGEOS (@ssgeos) September 30, 2023
Planetary geometry is difficult to interpret with four conjunctions spread out over the next 10 days. As far as I can tell, 1-3 October will be more critical. https://t.co/Cao2VExGNB
— Frank Hoogerbeets (@hogrbe) September 29, 2023
Pakistan is located along the boundaries of two major tectonic plates inside the Earth, extending from Sonmiani to the northern region of the country, as highlighted by the PMD. Earthquakes can occur at any point along these boundary lines. The Met Office recalled historical seismic events, mentioning a magnitude 9 to 10 earthquake striking the Chaman fault line in 1892 and a devastating earthquake in the Chiltan range in 1935, which claimed several thousand lives. According to the PMD, there is a possibility of recurrence after approximately 100 years along the same boundary lines.
A Dutch scientist is warning of an imminent major #earthquake in #Pakistan, expected to hit the nation in the next 48 hours.
This particular scientist has a history of accurately forecasting earthquakes, notably predicting a devastating quake in #Turkey in February just days… pic.twitter.com/94qrkzcwBw
— Bolta Karachi (@BoltaKarachi01) October 2, 2023
Earthquake Predictions in Pakistan
The department clarified that they have not received any warnings or instructions from international organizations regarding an earthquake. Additionally, they mentioned that Pakistan lacks a system to predict the movement of tectonic plates and urged the public not to heed false news circulating on social media platforms.
Rafi Zahid, Director of the Seismological Centre, highlighted that Pakistan utilizes Japanese technology to monitor seismic activity, with monitoring systems in place across the country. Zahid emphasized that areas prone to frequent earthquakes are identified through continuous monitoring efforts.
This incident echoes a similar situation in February this year when predictions made by the Dutch researcher after a deadly earthquake in Turkey led to rumors of potential earthquakes in Pakistan. Experts had refuted those reports at that time, labeling them as unscientific. The PMD’s recent statement underscores the importance of relying on credible sources and scientific data while addressing concerns related to seismic activities.
