A strong earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa early Friday, causing buildings to tremble and people to rush outside amid concern. The tremors were felt widely across urban and rural areas, prompting residents to step out of their homes as a precaution.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the quake struck at a depth of 159 kilometres beneath the surface, with its epicentre located in the border region near Tajikistan and China. Officials say there are no immediate reports of deaths or significant structural damage from the event, though assessments are ongoing.
Residents Report Tremors Across Multiple Regions
People in the federal capital Islamabad and the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi described feeling strong shaking that lasted several seconds. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, residents in Swat, Shangla, Buner and surrounding districts reported buildings swaying and lights flickering during the tremor. Many quickly exited their homes to open areas as a safety precaution.
Emergency response teams and local authorities monitored the situation closely following the quake, while seismologists continued to gather data to understand the aftereffects. The seismic activity underscores recent patterns of earthquakes being felt in northern Pakistan and adjacent regions.
Background: Regional Seismic Activity Affects Pakistan
Earthquakes have frequently rattled Pakistan due to its location at the intersection of major tectonic plates. In recent years, tremors from seismic events in neighbouring areas have been felt across the country’s northern and central regions. Last October, a 5.3-magnitude quake shook Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Experts note that the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates create ongoing stress in the region, making seismic monitoring critical for early alerts and preparedness. While many recent quakes have not caused major destruction, authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining readiness for future events given the region’s long history of significant earthquakes.
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