Mag 7.5 - Badahkshan, Afghanistan - Hindu Kush

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In summary, there was a M7.5 earthquake on October 26, 2015 near the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, which occurred as a result of reverse faulting at a depth of 210 km. The earthquake caused damage and resulted in at least 280 deaths in Pakistan. Aftershocks, including a M4.7 earthquake, continued to be felt in the region. The combined death toll from the earthquake rose to 376, with the majority of deaths occurring in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The earthquake was also felt in other countries, including India and Australia.
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Astronuc
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M7.5 - 45km N of `Alaqahdari-ye Kiran wa Munjan, Afghanistan
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us10003re5#general_summary

The October 26, 2015 M 7.5 earthquake near the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan (SW of Jarm) occurred as the result of reverse faulting at intermediate depths, approximately 210 km below the Hindu Kush Range in northeastern Afghanistan. Focal mechanisms indicate rupture occurred on either a near-vertical reverse fault or a shallowly dipping thrust fault. At the latitude of the earthquake, the India subcontinent moves northward and collides with Eurasia at a velocity of about 37 mm/yr.

Time
2015-10-26 09:09:32 (UTC)
36.441°N 70.717°E depth=212.5 km (132.1 mi)
Nearby Cities
  1. 45km (28mi) N of `Alaqahdari-ye Kiran wa Munjan, Afghanistan
  2. 48km (30mi) SSW of Jarm, Afghanistan
  3. 76km (47mi) S of Fayzabad, Afghanistan
  4. 77km (48mi) WSW of Ashkasham, Afghanistan
  5. 254km (158mi) NNE of Kabul, Afghanistan

It was very deep (210 km), but managed to do damage. At least 280 killed, mostly in Pakistan.

Islamabad (AFP) - Nearly 280 people were killed Monday when a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake centred in the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan ripped across South Asia, toppling buildings, triggering stampedes and knocking out communication lines.
http://news.yahoo.com/7-5-magnitude-quake-rocks-asia-epicentre-afghanistan-095403222.html#

Dave, did it register in Sydney?
 
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Monday's quake shook buildings in the capital, Islamabad, and cities elsewhere in Pakistan and Afghanistan for up to 45 seconds in the early afternoon, creating cracks in walls and causing blackouts.
http://news.yahoo.com/death-toll-reaches-311-quake-hit-pakistani-afghan-054716481.html
Rescuers in both countries were struggling to reach quake-stricken regions as officials said the combined death toll from Monday's earthquake rose to 376.

Authorities said 258 people died in Pakistan and 115 in Afghanistan in the magnitude-7.5 quake, which was centered in Afghanistan's sparsely populated Badakhshan province that borders Pakistan, Tajikistan and China. Three people died on the Indian side of the disputed region of Kashmir.
M4.7 - 52km SW of Jarm, Afghanistan
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us10003ru9#general_summary

2015-10-27 13:14:07 (UTC)
36.494°N 70.463°E depth=200.9 km (124.8 mi)
Nearby Cities
  1. 52km (32mi) SW of Jarm, Afghanistan
  2. 54km (34mi) E of Farkhar, Afghanistan
  3. 69km (43mi) S of Fayzabad, Afghanistan
  4. 87km (54mi) ESE of Taloqan, Afghanistan
  5. 247km (153mi) NNE of Kabul, Afghanistan
 
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  • #3
Astronuc said:
Dave, did it register in Sydney?

HI Astronuc
Yes I did has been a hectic week and didn't get a chance to post the seismogram
here's the raw seismogram screenshot

151026 UT M 7.5 Afganistan zhi.GIF


here's the processed gram

151026.091457.zhi.psn.gif
cheers
Dave
 

1. What caused the 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Badakhshan, Afghanistan?

The 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Badakhshan, Afghanistan was caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the Hindu Kush region. The Indian subcontinent and Eurasian plates are constantly moving, causing stress to build up and eventually release in the form of an earthquake.

2. Was there any warning before the earthquake hit?

No, there was no warning before the earthquake hit. Earthquakes are unpredictable and can occur suddenly without any warning signs.

3. How did the earthquake impact the region?

The earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure in the region. It also triggered landslides and avalanches, causing further destruction. Sadly, there were also many casualties and injuries reported.

4. Was this earthquake expected in the Hindu Kush region?

Yes, the Hindu Kush region is known for its high seismic activity and is prone to earthquakes. However, the exact timing and magnitude of earthquakes cannot be predicted, making it difficult to expect when and where they will occur.

5. What can be done to prepare for future earthquakes in the region?

There are several measures that can be taken to prepare for future earthquakes in the region. This includes implementing stricter building codes, conducting regular earthquake drills, and educating the public about earthquake safety and preparedness. It is also important for governments to invest in early warning systems and emergency response plans to minimize the impact of earthquakes in the future.

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