Intriguing new developments surround Dutch scientist Frank Hoogerbeets' recent earthquake prediction for Pakistan. The scientific community and local authorities are in a heated debate over the validity of his forecast, prompting an exploration of seismic insights.
Hoogerbeets, citing information from the Solar System Geometry Survey (SSGEOS), has raised concerns about an impending significant earthquake in Pakistan within the next 48 hours. He commented, "Planetary geometry is challenging to interpret with four conjunctions spread out over the next 10 days. As far as I can tell, 1-3 October will be more critical."
Planetary geometry is difficult to interpret with four conjunctions spread out over the next 10 days. As far as I can tell, 1-3 October will be more critical. https://t.co/Cao2VExGNB
— Frank Hoogerbeets (@hogrbe) September 29, 2023
The prediction has sent ripples of worry throughout Balochistan's Chaman region, where an increase in electrical activity along fault lines has been detected, heightening the possibility of a severe earthquake.
However, Pakistan's National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) has offered a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging a fault line's potential to trigger an earthquake, NSMC officials assert that predicting its precise timing remains impossible.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also weighed in on the matter, dismissing the claims of predictability. The PMD highlights Pakistan's location at the convergence of two large tectonic plates, spanning from Sonmiani to the northern reaches of the country. Earthquakes, it emphasizes, can manifest anywhere within these boundaries.
The PMD further cites historical events, such as the massive 1892 earthquake along the Chaman fault line and the devastating 1935 earthquake in the Chiltan range, causing thousands of casualties. According to PMD analysis, earthquakes along this fault line occur approximately once every century.
In a statement, the Met Office reaffirmed their position, stating, "We have not received any kind of warning or instructions from any international organization regarding earthquakes." As the debate unfolds, experts and officials grapple with the intricate science of earthquake prediction, leaving the people of Pakistan anxiously awaiting the outcome.