2005 Kashmir earthquake

Earthquake

The region where the earthquake occurred crosses the political borders of Pakistan and India. This area has been prone to earthquakes for centuries, with the earliest recorded quake occurring in 1255 in Kathmandu. The Kashmir valley is completely surrounded by mountains, with the valley floor being 1850 meters above sea level, but the encircling mountains reach heights of 3000–4000 meters. Its unique geography makes it particularly prone to natural disasters including floods, windstorms, avalanches and landslides, fires and droughts. It is, however, particularly prone to earthquakes as it lies on top of active geological faults where two tectonic plates, the large Eurasian and small Indian tectonic plates collide. This collision forces the Indian plate under the Eurasian plate, causing movement of the earth's crust.

The earthquake resulted in a 75 km surface rupture. It triggered thousands of landslides, mainly rock falls, debris falls and a debris avalanche. There were two significant landslides, one in Chella Bandi, Muzaffarabad, and another in the Pir Panjal Range. The latter is considered the largest earthquake-triggered landslide and formed a new lake. Over 140 aftershocks were recorded, many of at least 4.0 on the Richter scale, and 21 registering at over 5.0 on the Richter scale. The course of the Neelum River was altered by the landslides and the surface rupture. A new waterfall also formed at the edge of the Kunhar River valley. It was observed that new co-seismic escarpments formed where sharp topographic changes existed. There are conflicting studies about the soil liquefaction aspects. This phenomenon and sand-blows were reported in the northwestern Kashmir Valley. However, one study did not observe any liquefaction.

The earthquake had a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme) evaluated in an area around the epicentre, between the towns of Muzaffarabad and Balakot. It was also assigned XI on the Environmental Seismic Intensity scale. Field surveys of heavy damage to buildings and other structures in Balakot determined that the Modified Mercalli intensity exceeded X. At Muzaffarabad, the intensity peaked at VIII–IX (Severe–Violent). Intensity VII–VIII (Very strong–Severe) was determined in the areas south of Muzaffarabad.

The maximum intensity in India was VIII (Destructive) on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik scale (MSK), and was felt at Uri. MSK VII was felt in Kupwara and Baramulla. In Srinagar, the earthquake was felt with an MSK intensity of V. At areas where the seismic intensity was lower, collapses were documented. The earthquake was felt throughout central Asia, and as far away as Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Minor shaking was felt in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Many strong aftershocks occurred near Muzaffarabad. As of 27 October 2005 There had been more than 978 aftershocks with a magnitude of 4.0 and above that continued to occur daily. Since then, measurements from satellites have shown that mountain parts directly above the epicenter have risen by a few meters, giving ample proof that the Himalayas are still being formed and growing and that this earthquake was a consequence of that. By the end of 2005, a total of 1,778 aftershocks were recorded.

Damage and casualties

The earthquake occurred during a school day in the region, most students were at school when the earthquake struck. In total, approximately 19,000 victims in Pakistan were students who died when their schools collapsed. Many were also trapped in their homes, and because the earthquake occurred during Ramadan, most people were taking naps after their pre-dawn meal and had little time to escape. Women made up a larger portion of casualties as many were inside cleaning after the morning meal.

Hospitals, schools, and rescue services, including police and armed forces, were paralysed. There was virtually no infrastructure, and communication was badly affected. Local building construction practices, poor workmanship, economic constraints and design flaws meant that almost 780,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. The Pakistani government's official death toll as of November 2005 stood at 87,350, although it is estimated that the death toll could have reached over 100,000. Approximately 138,000 people were injured, and over 3.5 million were rendered homeless. The earthquake affected more than 500,000 families, and cold weather increased the death toll for those who survived the earthquake, but were displaced and homeless.

At least 1,350 people were killed and 6,266 injured in Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Uri there were over 150 deaths. Four deaths were reported in Afghanistan, including a young girl who died in Jalalabad after a wall collapsed on her. The quake was felt in Kabul, but the effects were minimal there.

More than 780,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. In Balakot, about 90% of the buildings in the city were reduced to rubble, and in Muzaffarabad, almost every building was either destroyed or damaged. In Uri, over 50% of the buildings were reportedly damaged after a short circuit resulted in a fire. Around 574 health facilities were reported to have been partially damaged or destroyed. In Pakistan, around 320 health institutions were destroyed and 44 were partially damaged. The resulting landslides from the earthquake affected transport, with closure of essential roads and highways. Sections of a road and pavement in a major route in Muzaffarabad collapsed. Many bridges were damaged, with the largest damaged bridge in Balakot. Several other bridges in the Jhelum Valley (Kashmir) were also damaged. The bridges in Muzaffarabad were not damaged except for a pedestrian suspension bridge north of the city which collapsed. 3,994 water supply systems were destroyed. In Muzaffarabad and Balakot, the electricity network was destroyed. In Balakot, some pylons were tilted. The GSM network withstood the impact of the earthquake better. In both towns, the Mobilink operator was functional, but was saturated and experienced intermittent signal, and was therefore unreliable. In contrast, landline telephone infrastructure was completely destroyed. It was estimated that about 40% of telecommunication exchanges, and 15% of telephone lines in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were disrupted. In the North-West Frontier Province(presently known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, though excluding a few areas of present KPK), it was estimated that 30% of exchanges and 8% of lines were disrupted.

Local response

Immediately after the earthquake, local residents and organizations responded to emergency needs. The government and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) coordinated relief efforts, distributing food, water and medical supplies. Many individuals and communities provided assistance spontaneously. People opened their homes to those displaced. In the initial phases of response, the Pakistan Medical corps, Corps of Engineers, Army Aviation and many infantry units were heavily involved. Helicopters conducted aerial reconnaissance and delivered essential supplies to remote areas while infantry units engaged in search and rescue operations.

The collective action of local residents, government agencies, and NGOs was instrumental in providing immediate relief and setting the stage for long-term recovery and reconstruction. Medical rehabilitation services swiftly intervened, providing assistive devices and customized prosthetics to facilitate the early recovery of injured individuals' functional abilities and psychological states. The MST Military Hospital, equipped with 12 beds and a team of experienced specialists, provided urgent medical and surgical care for post-disaster casualties. This rapid response accelerated the rehabilitation process, ensuring that victims received timely and professional medical support even under extreme conditions.

International response

Well over US$6.2 billion (400 billion Pakistani rupees) in aid arrived from all around the world. US Marine and Army helicopters stationed in neighbouring Afghanistan quickly flew aid into the devastated region along with five CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Royal Air Force that were deployed from the United Kingdom. Five crossing points were opened on the Line of Control (LOC), between India and Pakistan, to facilitate the flow of humanitarian and medical aid to the affected region, and aid teams from different parts of Pakistan and around the world came to the region to assist in relief efforts.

The United Nations Development Programme coordinated responses, rebuilt shelters, schools and health facilities. The United Nations Population Fund deployed nine mobile medical units, provided reproductive health services for one million people and focused on pregnant women and children. The UNICEF distributed school kits for 140,000 children, established 70 child-friendly spaces and reopened 487 schools. The World Food Programme provided emergency food, including high-energy biscuits. The World Health Organization delivered medical equipment, health kits and set up a disease early warning system. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees managed 37 camps, distributing tents, blankets and supplies. The International Organization for Migration helped 14,000 families return home, providing transport and food. The OCHA initiated rescue operations, launched a $550 million fundraising appeal and conducted environmental assessments. The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service delivered 28,000 tons of relief supplies to remote areas using helicopters.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responded swiftly, providing emergency food, medical care, and shelter. They treated thousands of survivors in makeshift clinics, ensured access to clean water and sanitation, and established child-friendly spaces to aid psychological recovery. Before winter, the IRC distributed warm clothing and bedding and assisted in rebuilding homes and infrastructure, supporting long-term recovery efforts.

The World Bank, with the Asian Development Bank, estimated reconstruction costs at $3.5 billion, providing financial and technical support for infrastructure, particularly in housing, education, and health, while promoting transparency and disaster risk reduction. The International Monetary Fund helped stabilize Pakistan's economy by offering financial aid to manage fiscal pressures from emergency relief and reconstruction, ensuring economic stability and the efficient management of international aid.

Countries worldwide responded quickly with financial and logistical aid. For instance, Saudi Arabia contributed a $133 million aid package, including emergency supplies and medical teams, and institutionalized its support through SPAPEV. China provided $6.2 million in aid, deployed a 49-member rescue team with sniffer dogs, and sent US$1 million in cash and the first batch of rescue materials for immediate relief. Turkey delivered $150 million in aid, sent 30 aircraft with medical teams and relief goods, and built tent cities for 70,000 people. Cuba dispatched 2,260 health professionals, set up 32 field hospitals, supplied 234.5 tons of medicines, and offered 1,000 free medical scholarships to Pakistani students from rural areas.

Numerous NGOs, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children and Oxfam provided medical care, clean drinking water and temporary housing. They were crucial in addressing the psychological and social needs of affected communities, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The Gift of the Givers Foundation, for example, concentrated on delivering food, water, and medical supplies to remote areas that were difficult to access.

Despite substantial aid, logistical difficulties hindered efficient relief efforts. Limited infrastructure, combined with harsh weather and mountainous terrain, delayed the transport of supplies to remote areas. Additionally, coordination challenges among different organizations sometimes led to resource duplication and gaps in critical areas.

The 100,000 and more injured suffered from fractures, crush injuries and lacerations. Healthcare facilities were inundated, and makeshift field hospitals were quickly established. However, the lack of adequate facilities, supplies and skilled personnel significantly hampered medical response efforts. Temporary shelters and overcrowded camps coupled with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, led to outbreaks of respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases and measles. Respiratory infections were notably prevalent, exacerbated by the cold weather in the region, and poor insulation in camps.

The earthquake caused significant psychological trauma for survivors who endured the sudden loss of family members, homes and livelihoods. This experience triggered acute stress reactions in many individuals, including anxiety, depression and later, post-traumatic stress disorder. The lack of mental health infrastructure in the affected areas compounded these problems as there were few resources available for trauma counselling or psychological support. Mental health clinics set up by non-governmental organisations provided some relief, but the support was often short lived to limited funding and resources.

In terms of non-communicable diseases, increased rates of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease were observed as access to routine health care services became severely disrupted. This disruption meant that individuals with chronic illnesses struggled to obtain necessary medications and medical care, leading to poor disease management and subsequent health complications. Long term mental health impact was also significant. Research conducted years after the earthquake found that many survivors were still experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders. These persistent psychological effects highlight the limited access to mental health resources in the affected regions and the cultural barriers preventing individuals from seeking mental health support.

Health consequences

The severity of injuries varied across regions, with mountainous and remote areas particularly affected. The geographical isolation of these regions made it challenging for rescue teams to provide timely assistance, leading to higher mortality rates in these hard-to-reach areas. Their rugged terrain and damaged infrastructure delayed the transport of critically injured patients to hospitals, increasing fatalities among the injured

Lower income populations faced greater hardship due to inadequate housing which was more vulnerable to collapse during the earthquake. These individuals also lacked financial means to rebuild their homes and lives post disaster, prolonging their exposure to hazardous living conditions and increasing their risk of health complications.

Women, especially those who were pregnant or had caregiving responsibilities faced additional health challenges due to their limited mobility and high risk of injury during the earthquake. In the aftermath, women often struggled with mental health issues including depression and anxiety as they assumed the burden of caring for the injured family members while dealing with their own trauma and additional occurrence of domestic violence. Children were at a heightened risk of developing psychological issues, including PTSD due to the traumatic experience of witnessing death and destruction.

References

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