Definition:Shaking of earth's surface caused by rapid movement of the earth's rocky outer layer stands as earth quake. Earth quake occur when energy stored within the earth suddenly releases. This energy in the form of strain in rocks. This energy is transmitted to the surface of the earth by earthquake waves. The study of earth quake is called seismology, scientists who study earthquakes are called as seismologists.
Earthquake in Pakistan:
'The lilies of the field whose bloom is brief,
We are as they,
Like them we fade away,
As doth a leaf.'
There was no sign, no warning when chaotic earthquake struck Pakistan on the morning of 8th October 2005.The earth quake registered 7.6 on the Richter scale. The northern parts including Azad Kashmir engulfed by deadly havoc and devastation. Numerous towns and villages were reduced to rubble. The quake knocked out electricity, telecommunication and whole infra structure of effected areas. The unfold shock had taken of several thousands of life, several thousand injured and several millions were made homeless. The impending disaster had made a hash of the major cities of Pakistan in the northern areas. The upper and lower valleys of Azad Kashmir were completely destroyed; people who fortunately resist the earthquake were in vicious circle.
'The destruction caused by the earthquake was at great that no one can still estimate.'
The deserting victims were at the mercy of atmosphere, there was no shelter for sufferers as their houses were at all destroyed. Nothing left but little sign of hope that someone coming for help. The victims trapped under the destroyed structure of fallen buildings were in painful condition, they were worse suffering humanity calling for help, children crying there was no one to console them. The daily routine life was heavily destroyed. Schools, colleges and several other institutions destroyed no administration left. The communication routes from city to city had been uprooted. The bloody scene that moment was the most pitiful in the history of mankind.
That earthquake was very fatal to the school going children and students. The rate at which students were died in this disaster was the most afflicted incident all over the world. Those who survive had to face the hardships of cold weather. Most of the surviving children were suffering from diseases like malaria, typhoid, and ammoniac.
Unpredictable Disaster:
Earthquakes are unpredictable; no one can identify it as it is a natural calamity and bring all possible devastation to life and property. Earthquakes are very sudden, despite all precautions; the desolation it brings cannot be avoided. Scientists and seismologists have failed to device some arrangement to control it or even to predict it.
Relief Activities:
The relief activities started at the second day of earthquake, as no one outside could understand the actual situation. Different organizations and social service societies came forward and arranged clothes, medicines, and articles of food which were rushed to the afflicted people. Rescue teams from all over the world and some from Pakistan succeeded to save very some of trapped victims of the disaster. Different relief funds are founded and people were appealed to contribute. People of Pakistan contributed with open heart. At that stage people of Pakistan behaved as a nation and displayed an example of unity. They contributed their best and conveyed a clear message of sympathy to their effected brethrens. Pakistan army and Islamic organizations displayed a fascinating role for relief of the victims. But as that was a massive disaster these relief activities were seemed to be much less to bring soothe and affection for the victims.
'The fatalities only know the real sore that exists.'
The reconstruction and rehabilitation phase would require several years to complete. This requires a continuous process of aid from all around the world. The uprooted cities require millions dollar to establish again. Pakistan can't do this alone, reconstruction require a combine effort. Once again, it falls on the people of Pakistan to face the challenge but this time the challenge is huge which can be countered only by unity and spirit of tremendous nation.
Serious Actions Required:
Serious efforts and precautions should be made by the government in this regard. We can't control such natural disaster but can only minimize their effects. Perhaps government is liable on the magnitude of destruction on her negligence. Government should check and counter the substandard constructors in Pakistan who have no concern for humanity and they are just filling their pockets. Concerning authorities instead of taking bribe should punish them and should make them a sign of admonition so that no one should even think to construct sub standard buildings.
'May Allah forgive us and save us from such disaster'
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Earthquake disaster in Pakistan |
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