In response to circulating social media rumors warning of an impending catastrophic earthquake in Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) categorically denied the claims, saying it was impossible to accurately predict.
The rumors originated from the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS) and Dutch scientist Frank Hoogerbeets, who asserted a potential seismic event following a surge in electric activity along Balochistan’s Chaman fault lines.
The PMD, clarifying the situation on Monday, highlighted that Pakistan lies atop the convergence point of two major tectonic plates, spanning from Sonmiani to the northern regions. Refuting the alleged prediction, the Met Office emphasized that earthquakes could strike at any point along these boundary lines.
The controversy arose after SSGEOS shared an image of Pakistan’s Western border on social media, indicating a “potential for a major seismic event.” Dutch scientist Hoogerbeets pinpointed October 1 to 3 as a “critical” period, sparking concerns among Pakistani social media users.
However, the Met Office reminded the public that Pakistan lacks a comprehensive system for predicting tectonic plate movements. It further stressed that no international organization had issued any warning regarding an earthquake. The Met Office referenced historical seismic events, citing a magnitude 9 to 10 earthquake along the Chaman fault line in 1892 and a devastating earthquake in the Chiltan range in 1935, which claimed several thousand lives. According to their statement, there is a possibility of recurrence along the same boundary lines approximately every 100 years.
Seismological Centre Director Rafi Zahid assured the public that Pakistan utilizes Japanese technology to monitor seismic activity. He explained that monitoring systems are in place across the country to identify regions prone to frequent earthquakes. In February of this year, similar rumors sparked concerns following a deadly earthquake in Turkey, but experts dismissed them as unscientific.
The PMD urged citizens not to heed false information on social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified sources for accurate updates regarding seismic activity. Pakistanis are advised to stay calm and vigilant while disregarding unverified claims circulating online.
