Sumbal Bahar Saba
National Centre of Excellence in Geology, Peshawar University, Peshawar,
Pakistan
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Naseem Aadil
Department of Geological Engineering
University of Engineering & Technology
Lahore
Dr. M. Asif Khan
National Centre of Excellence in Geology
Peshawar University
Peshawar
Pakistan experienced an earthquale on 7.6 scale (depth 10 kilometres) at 08.50 Pakistan time (03.50 GMT), on 8 October with the epicentre at Basant Kot in district Muzaffarabad. Areas affected approximately 30,000 sq. miles. Worst affected districts are Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and parts of Bagh. Abbottabad is the district least affected by the earthquake. Pakistan death toll was 73,331, with 69,392 injured (GOP). 3.5 million people affected (500,000 families). Nearly 2.5 million people lost their houses. 2.3 million food insecure. (GONWFP).The paper presents a general background of the geology, tectonics and seismicity of the Balakot and surrounding area to substantiate that the location of the landslides in the earthquake affected areas. It includes study of landslide distribution of the earthquake affected areas in addition to geology and geomorphological features.Sixty seven land slides in Earthquake Hit Area were mapped which cover more than 4.62 sq. kilometer area. Area of Reactivated Land Slides is about 2.33 sq. kilometer. Mostly Lanslides are located in Murries in Normal Conditions however Earthquake triggered Landslides are mostly located in Muzaffarabad Formation.Based on a limited work it is suggested that advanced research work need to be carried. Further a joint venture needs to be established for future risk assessment due to landslinding in the area and new measures should be taken for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the area.
