Earthquakes in Nanga Parbat area, North Pakistan: Causes and concerns with particular reference to Basha Dam
Abstract
In November 2002, two powerful earthquakes (magnitude 5.5 & 6.4 on Richter scale) and subsequent aftershocks rocked the Nanga Parbat area of north Pakistan. Even though the tremors were felt as far south as Peshawar and Islamabad the intensity of damage to the life and property remained within 10-15 km radius of the epicenters. The damage included: 34 people dead, 140 seriously injured, ~1200 houses flattened, many bridges and tens of kilometers of road lost to the ensuing landslides.
The epicenters of these quakes were located within the Raikot fault zone. This is an active fault with dominantly northwestward-directed thrust and minor right-lateral strike slip motion. These earthquakes did not open any new fissures or cracks with substantial slip on them. However, few boulders Within the fault zone did develop cracks but it was not possible to ascertain whether these were developed by motion on the fault or by land sliding. The other geological features clearly associated with these quakes included land sliding, rockfall, liquefaction and soil creep. No evidence of any volcanic activity, as feared by the local people, was found.
The tectonic setting of the area such that the earthquake hazard will remain in future. Itis imperative that planners fully evaluate the risk potentials of this area before embarking on any mega engineering project e.g. Basha Dam The same 'threat' has already caused extensive damage to the life and the Karakorum Highway, not to mention the monetary bill, which runs into millions.
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