Kashmir Earthquake

- Jade Forsberg MYP 5

What happened?

On the 8th of October an earthquake occurred in Northern Pakistan in Kashmir. It was an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 which occurred just before 9 am. The earthquake destroyed the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Muzaffarabad and also caused a lot of damage in nearby town such as Balakot. In total, roughly 75 000 people were killed, over 100 000 were injured and approximately 3 million were left homeless. In total 3.5 million people were affected by the earthquake and 80% of health facilities were destroyed. Many people were forced to live in tents for more than a year after the earthquake. It was a disaster for Kashmir.

When did it happen?

8th October 2005 At about 08:52:37 Pakistan time

Where did it happen? In Pakistan Occurred in Azad Kashmir, near the city of

Muzaffarabad Affected Gilgit-Baltisan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

provinces of PakistanPakistan

India

Why did it happen? Two continental plates met at a collision margin (the Indian and Asian

plates) One plate is being forced (subducted under the other) After a while the tension built up and was quickly released resulting in

an earthquake

Who was affected? Approximately 3 million were left homeless About 500,000 received no aid Capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Muzaffarabad) was

destroyed, killing and injuring thousands Other affected areas: Tajikistan, western China, Afghanistan

and Indian-administered Kashmir About 6 000 schools were destroyed

Kashmir Earthquake Casualties in 2005Location Dead

(approximately)Injured (approximately)

Pakistan, Pakistani Kashmir

73 338 100 000

Indian Administered Kashmir

1 360 6 266

Afghanistan 4 14Total 74 500 + 106 000 +

2005 EARTHQUAKE TOLL Affected population: 3.5mHealth facilities destroyed: 80%Area affected: 30,000 sq kmStill in tent camps (in 2006): 35,000

Sources

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4322624.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5392908.stm http://

www.engr.uiuc.edu/news/archive/index.php?xId=067608320784

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Kashmir_earthquake