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In a chilling sequel to the many natural disasters hitting our globe recently, comes an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 wreaking havoc in Pakistan and also hitting cities in India and Afghanistan. The earthquake occurred at 03:50:38 (UTC) on Saturday, October 8, 2005.
One thousand people are said to be dead and many more may be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Pakistan has confirmed the devastation of several villages. The epicenter of this violent earthquake is 95 km north-northeast of Islamabad, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, World Data Center for Seismology in Denver.
Earthquakes in the various regions of the world will continue, unfortunately, to occur. Dr. Zaghlool El-Naggar explains this geological fact in his article Mountains as Stabilizers for the Earth.
Earthquakes are commonly surrounded by public health myths and misconceptions. Dr. David W. Tschanz answers such questions as: Can the tens of thousands of deaths that result from some natural disasters result in a public health catastrophe? Are epidemics common after earthquakes? What kind of aid do earthquake victims actually need in the aftermath of a disaster similar to the Bam earthquake? Earthquakes and Public Health: Myths & Realties
How do some people survive for days on end in the rubble of a fallen building? What can I do in the event of an earthquake to increase my chances of survival? Read Aisha El-Awady's article on Surviving an Earthquake, and David Tschanz's article on Earthquake Safety - How to Prepare for One.
Finally, learn more on How to Shroud and Bury the Dead in Quake-Stricken Iran, what Islam says about Paying Zakah (charity) to Iranian Earthquake Victims, and Why Does Allah Allow Suffering and Evil in the World?
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