A 5.3 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale jolted Islamabad and parts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Wednesday night, sending residents into panic. Tremors were felt in several cities across K-P, including Peshawar, Mardan, and Buner, as well as in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and adjoining areas.
Details of the Earthquake
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake struck at 10:57pm Pakistan Standard Time. It measured 5.3 in magnitude and occurred at a depth of 174 kilometres. The PMD stated that the epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. No immediate reports of casualties or damage were available.
Recent Seismic Activity
This earthquake comes days after a 5.9-magnitude quake sent tremors across Lahore and several other cities in Punjab, as well as parts of K-P. According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), tremors were felt in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali, Multan, the Potohar region, and several other districts of the province. On the same day, another earthquake measuring 5.2 struck Balochistan's Barkhan district and adjoining areas, injuring three people. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, that quake occurred at a depth of 19 kilometres, with its epicentre located 58 kilometres northeast of Barkhan. Tremors were also felt in Kohlu, Rakhni, and Musa Khel.
Impact and Preparedness
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols during earthquakes. The PDMA has advised people to stay away from buildings and other structures that may collapse. The PMD continues to monitor seismic activity and will provide updates as necessary.
