IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MAJOR EARTHQUAKES IN AFGHANISTAN: A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY

The world is always at risk of earthquakes, unpredictable disasters that may cause substantial damage to life and property. Due to its location on several fault lines where the Indian Plate collides with the Eurasian Plate, Afghanistan is at a high risk of experiencing significant and frequent natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. These fault lines are assumed to be the cause of many earthquakes that happen in this area. Also, the country’s lack of preparedness and socio-economic vulnerability exacerbate the impact of natural disasters, making it quite difficult for affected communities to recover. Because of years of conflict, Afghanistan is unable to handle emergencies or keep its people safe. Considering this, the following review paper tries to give an overview of the cataclysmic effects of earthquakes in Afghanistan (based on the country’s past experiences) and tell the reader about the dangers and precarious situations that the country is now facing. Based on these evaluations, the study then gives some general tips for preventing natural disasters in Afghanistan and making them less tragic when they do occur. These guidelines include analyses of the best ways to respond to and recover from these disasters as well as suggestions for what to do next.