Pakistan’s seismic centre reacts to earthquake prediction by Dutch scientist

Karachi, October 3, 2023 - Pakistan's National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) has reacted to a prediction by a Dutch scientist that a major earthquake is likely to hit the country within the next 48 hours.

The scientist, Frank Hoogerbeets of the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS), has a track record of accurately predicting earthquakes, including the devastating quake in Turkey earlier this year.

Hoogerbeets' latest prediction has sparked concern among Pakistanis, but the NSMC has downplayed its significance.

"It is not possible to accurately predict the time and location of an earthquake," said Amir Haider Leghari, director of the NSMC. "We have heightened our monitoring of the region, but we urge people to remain calm and not panic."

Leghari said that the NSMC has been monitoring the Chaman fault line in Balochistan province, which is one of the most seismically active regions in Pakistan. He said that there has been some increased seismic activity in the region in recent days, but that this is not unusual.

"We are always monitoring the Chaman fault line and other seismically active regions in Pakistan," Leghari said. "We will continue to do so and will provide updates to the public if there is any significant change in seismic activity."

Hoogerbeets' prediction has also been met with skepticism from some experts.

"While Hoogerbeets has a track record of accurately predicting earthquakes, his methods are not fully understood and his predictions should not be taken as gospel," said one seismologist who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity.

"It is important to remember that earthquakes are complex natural phenomena and there is no perfect way to predict them," the seismologist said. "People should always be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake, regardless of whether or not a specific prediction has been made."

Despite the NSMC's reassurances, many Pakistanis are still concerned about Hoogerbeets' prediction.

"I'm worried," said one resident of Islamabad. "I know that earthquakes can't be predicted with certainty, but I'm still scared of the possibility of a major earthquake hitting our country."

Another resident of Karachi said that she is taking precautions to prepare for the possibility of an earthquake.

"I'm going to make sure that I have a plan in place and that my family is prepared," she said. "I'm also going to donate to the Red Cross so that they can help those who are affected by any earthquake that does occur."

The NSMC has urged Pakistanis to remain calm and to follow safety guidelines in the event of an earthquake. These guidelines include staying away from buildings that are likely to collapse, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and covering your mouth and nose to protect yourself from dust and debris.