MAKRAN is a coastal region of Balochistan spread over 772 kilometres, including Gwadar, Turbat and Panjgur. On the morning of Nov 28, 1945, it was hit by an extremely destructive earthquake of 8.1 magnitude. The earthquake generated a devastating tsunami that caused around 4,000 deaths. It has been more than 75 years since that catastrophic tsunami and, according to the geological timescale of the Makran subduction zone, another earthquake might strike the region in the future.

Any major earthquake in the Makran region might lead to a towering tsunami in the coastal areas of Balochistan and Sindh. In that scenario, the cities of Pasni, Ormara and Gwadar would likely be the worst-hit on account of being close to the subduction zone, which is the zone where two tectonic plates meet and generate seismic activity. Similarly, the economic hub and the most populous city, Karachi, may also experience considerable damage.

Since 1483, at least seven major earthquakes have been recorded in the Makran region. There were also two coastal events in 1851 and 1864 during which Gwadar faced large-scale destruction. In 1851, according to the director of Makran Coast and Submarine Telegraph Department, the scale of seismic activity was so great that an entire hill — with men and camels — disappeared into the sea.

The subduction zone near the Balochistan coast, also known as the Makran Trench, is 50km away from the city of Makran. Research suggests that the activity in the subduction zone is getting worse with time due to increased pressure on the tectonic plates which might make parts of them collapse, shift or vibrate, potentially resulting in a catastrophic tsunami.

Given this scenario, the relevant authorities, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the meteorological department, should start keeping an eye on contingency preparedness. The first step should be to install early warning towers across the most seismically active areas. This would buy the authorities and also the public a bit of time to limit damage to life and property.

Salman Ghazi
Pasni

MEDICAL MALPRACTICES: This is with reference to the editorial ‘Reality of AIDS ‘ (Dec 5). I want to add that not only the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but also some other critical diseases are spreading from malpractices across the country, such as mother-to-foetus unscreened blood transfusion, improperly sterilised surgical equipment, and reuse

of infected needles. In Sohbatpur, hepatitis B and C are also common due to such malpractices. The relevant authoritiesmust take notice of the grave situation.

Abdul Jabbar Gola
Quetta

GARBAGE SYSTEM: There is no proper system for garbage collection and waste management in the small city of Bhawana in the Chiniot district. People throw garbage on the streets, causing harmful diseases and disturbing the sewerage system. The practice also adds to air and water pollution. The municipal committee needs to take swift action in this regard.

Maqbool Alam
Bhawana

DANGEROUS ADVENTURES: According to the data released by Rescue 1122, about 83 per cent of road accidents are caused by reckless motorcyclists. As a common observation, the majority of motorcyclists happen to be the young, and they often indulge in unnecessary adventures, like racing and one-wheeling, for fun and excitement that sometimes lead to tragic endings. It is the responsibility of parents to forbid their children from such acts, while the traffic police should curb such practices on the roads at all costs.

Adeel Ahmed Malik
Rawalpindi

RAILWAY LINE: Since the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), a railway line has blocked access to the Drigh Road cantonment area. As a result, people have to take a long alternative route to reach their respective destinations. One can imagine the additional cost of fuel when it happens several times every day. The authorities concerned are requested to take up the issue and facilitate our lives.

Saeed Akhtar Gondal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2021