On December 5, 2024, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake shaked several cities in Punjab, including Lahore, Gujrat, and other nearby areas. With tremors felt in the regions such as Jhelum, Kamalia, and Khanewal, residents rushed to evacuate buildings in panic. Luckily, no casualties or significant damage were reported by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab. However, this event serves as a plain reminder of the seismic risks that Pakistan faces and the importance of preparedness in mitigating potential disasters.
Reasons Why We Must Focus on Earthquake Preparedness
1. Pakistan’s Seismic Vulnerability:
Situated at the meeting point of the Indian & Eurasian tectonic plates, Pakistan is prone to earthquakes. Regular seismic events like these underlines the need for improved safety measures in both urban and rural areas.
2. Building Resilience:
While the recent quake did not cause major destruction, the irregularity of natural disasters means we must prioritize strengthening building structures, ensuring emergency evacuation plans, and raising public awareness on earthquake preparedness.
3. Climate Change and Increased Natural Disasters:
The rise in natural disasters is often linked to broader impacts of climate change. As we witness more extreme weather events, the urgency to adopt disaster-ready practices becomes even more crucial.
4. Community and Government Action:
It’s vital for local authorities to conduct safety drills and on regular basis for communities to take proactive steps in securing their homes and buildings. Government response mechanisms must be swift and efficient in such emergencies to minimize losses.
