Amidst widespread rumors on social media suggesting an impending strong earthquake in Pakistan within 48 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has dismissed these claims, emphasizing that accurately predicting earthquakes is currently beyond our capabilities.
Netizens have been citing the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS) and Dutch scientist Frank Hoogerbeets, who suggested a notable increase in electrical activity along the fault lines in Balochistan’s Chaman area, hinting at a potential powerful earthquake in Pakistan.
A Dutch scientist is warning of an imminent major #earthquake in #Pakistan, expected to hit the nation in the next 48 hours.
This particular scientist has a history of accurately forecasting earthquakes, notably predicting a devastating quake in #Turkey in February just days… pic.twitter.com/94qrkzcwBw
— Bolta Karachi (@BoltaKarachi01) October 2, 2023
Planetary geometry is difficult to interpret with four conjunctions spread out over the next 10 days. As far as I can tell, 1-3 October will be more critical. https://t.co/Cao2VExGNB
— Frank Hoogerbeets (@hogrbe) September 29, 2023
strong fluctuations – potential for strong to major seismic event pic.twitter.com/8OhAv363mp
— SSGEOS (@ssgeos) September 30, 2023
However, the Met Office firmly rejected these speculations, stating that pinpointing the time and location of an earthquake is not feasible.
The PMD explained that Pakistan sits at the convergence of two major tectonic plates, stretching from Sonmiani to the northern regions. Along these boundaries, earthquakes can occur at any point.
The Met Office pointed out that a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 9 to 10 struck the Chaman fault line in 1892. Similarly, an earthquake in the Chiltan range in 1935 claimed several thousand lives. Generally, there is a possibility of seismic activity recurring in the same boundary line after about a century, according to the Met Office.
They also made it clear that there have been no warnings or instructions received from any international organization regarding an imminent earthquake.
The Met Office emphasized that Pakistan does not possess a system for predicting tectonic plate movements and urged the public not to lend credence to false information on social media.
In addition, Seismological Centre Director Rafi Zahid mentioned that Pakistan employs Japanese technology for monitoring seismic activity and assured that the monitoring system is operational nationwide. He explained that areas prone to frequent earthquakes are identified through this monitoring process.
It’s worth noting that earlier this year, a prediction by the Dutch researcher following a devastating earthquake in Turkey had led to rumors of potential earthquakes in Pakistan. However, experts at the time dismissed these reports as unscientific.
