But geologists don?t have detailed seismic monitoring from the Hindu Kush range because of its remoteness and proximity to conflict, making it difficult to understand the forces behind quakes there. ?It?s a shame,? says Greg Beroza, a geophysicist at Stanford University. ?We don?t have much data in that part of the world.?

Further complicating the matter, the USGS says the earthquake happened 130 miles (210 kilometers) underground, and deep quakes like this are a bit of a mystery to researchers National Geographic.

What we need is an effective strategy on a national and international level for disaster risk. There are thousands of people who die through such disasters, many lose their employment opportunities, and there is a large damage to the infrastructure of the country. It affects economies and hence damages a country's development. We must ensure that we are prepared for such happenings, and thus, the governments should plan and lay out strategies to overcomes hurdles that are caused by natural disasters. Only then can we minimise the damages!