EFFECT OF EARTHQUAKE ON FOREST VEGETATION OF MUZAFFARABAD AND BALAKOT AREAS

Abstract

A severe earthquake of magnitude 7.6 on richter scale hit Pakistan on October 8, 2005. Muzaffarabad and Balakot were the worst hit areas located in the northern parts of the country. The earthquake had real impacts on human life and property of these areas. Apart from this, the forestry resources of these areas, which are eminent for their watershed values and the biodiversity they abode, were also affected. It was, therefore, deemed necessary to assess the impacts of earthquake on forest vegetation of these areas. As a result of which, the current study was conducted. To study the forest trees damaged in the study area, 5 km interval plots were laid along the traversed road in both the areas. The results revealed that Muzaffarabad was inflicted with most of the damages to forest trees in comparison to Balakot. Similarly, damage to under storey vegetation was also greater in the former. It was also found that mixed crop had less damages compared to pure crop. It was also revealing that the proximity of epicenter of the earthquake has not played any significant role in terms of imparting forest trees damages. Based on the findings, it was suggested that reforestation/afforestation activities should be conducted in degraded areas. Also, appropriate scientific grazing systems should be proposed along with alternate energy resources for the local inhabitants.