Islamabad: Twin tremors rattled parts of Pakistan as an earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale struck several major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), this was the second earthquake in less than 20 hours, triggering concern among residents. The epicenter was located in the Rawat area near Islamabad, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Cities Affected and Magnitude
Tremors were felt around 12:10 am in Islamabad and surrounding areas, including Murree, Attock, Swabi, Abbottabad, and northern Punjab. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Nowshera, and Charsadda also experienced shaking.
While no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, emergency response teams remain on alert. The earthquake also lightly affected parts of India near the border, with the estimated magnitude reported at 4.3 in those regions.
Second Tremor Raises Concerns
Seismic activity earlier on Saturday had already shaken the northern region. The second tremor within 20 hours has raised anxiety among residents and officials alike, particularly due to the shallow depth of the quake which increases the likelihood of ground-level impact.
Experts at the PMD are monitoring the situation and advise the public to stay calm but prepared. Mild aftershocks may follow in the coming hours, they warned.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged citizens to follow standard safety protocols and avoid unnecessary panic. Local authorities have also advised people to inspect their buildings for any cracks or structural risks.
This recent spike in seismic activity comes as a reminder of Pakistan’s vulnerability to tectonic movement due to its position along major fault lines.
