Question

The city closest to the epicenter of the devastating earthquake that hit Pakistan & India in October 2005 is

• A. Srinagar
• B. Balakot
• C. Muzaffarabad
• D. Islamabad

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the question
The question asks about the city closest to the epicenter of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan and parts of India in October 2005. We must identify which city lay nearest to the epicenter of this natural disaster.

Step 2: About the earthquake
- Date: 8th October 2005.
- Magnitude: 7.6 on the Richter scale.
- Epicenter: Located in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir region.
- Impact: Over 80,000 people lost their lives, and millions were displaced. The earthquake caused widespread destruction across northern Pakistan and parts of Jammu & Kashmir in India.

Step 3: Closest city to the epicenter
The city of **Muzaffarabad**, which is the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, was the closest major city to the epicenter. It was one of the worst-hit areas, with massive loss of life and infrastructure collapse. Entire villages and towns around Muzaffarabad were devastated.

Step 4: Final justification
Because Muzaffarabad was located almost directly next to the epicenter, it suffered the maximum destruction, making it the correct answer.

Final Answer: The correct option is (C) Muzaffarabad.