Pakistan -  When the Earth moves

Pakistan-administered Kashmir, at the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, faces significant seismic activity. This tectonic interaction also forms the Himalayan mountain range, creating unstable conditions.

The devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake struck on October 8 near Muzaffarabad, with a magnitude of 7.6. Its impact was worsened by intense upthrust movements and substandard construction.

The toll was profound: over 100,000 lives lost, 138,000 injured, and 3.5 million displaced. International aid totaled over US$6.2 billion, primarily through NGOs.

After the earthquake, I joined International Red Cross workers to document relief efforts in remote mountainous regions. This experience highlighted the resilience of affected communities and the crucial role of humanitarian aid.