How did the 2005 earthquake affect Muzaffarabad and nearby areas?

The 2005 Kashmir earthquake was a catastrophic event that struck on October 8, 2005, with its epicenter located just 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Muzaffarabad, the administrative center of Azad Kashmir.1

The Muzaffarabad area was the most severely impacted region, suffering widespread destruction where numerous villages were completely leveled. Across the broader Kashmir region, the disaster resulted in at least 79,000 deaths and the collapse of more than 32,000 buildings. The high casualty count and extensive property damage were significantly worsened by poor construction standards in the affected areas.12

Relief efforts in Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas were severely hindered by numerous aftershocks, as well as landslides and falling rocks that blocked mountain roads and highways, leaving parts of the region inaccessible for several days. Ultimately, the disaster left an estimated four million people homeless across the affected territories.12