ISLAMABAD – Strong tremors were felt across several cities in Pakistan on Friday evening, including the capital Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, as a moderate earthquake jolted the northern and northwestern regions of the country.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake occurred at approximately 6:09 PM PKT, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale. The timing of the quake coincided with the Iftar hour, causing a brief moment of panic as residents rushed out of their homes and mosques.
1. Key Details of the Seismic Event
The earthquake’s impact was felt widely across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and parts of Punjab.
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Magnitude: 5.9
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Depth: 101 Kilometers
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Epicenter: The Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan
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Time: 6:09 PM Local Time
2. Affected Areas
While the tremors were most prominent in the twin cities and Peshawar, reports of shaking also came from:
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Swat, Mardan, Abbottabad, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, and Malakand.
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Punjab: Attock and surrounding northern districts.
3. Impact and Response
Despite the intensity of the vibrations, which caused many to evacuate high-rise buildings in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage.
Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) in both KP and Punjab have been put on alert to monitor for aftershocks. Rescue 1122 and local emergency services are currently conducting assessments in older parts of the cities to ensure public safety.
4. Regional Context
Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location at the boundary of the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian tectonic plates. This event follows a series of minor tremors in the region over the last month, highlighting an active period of tectonic movement in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan belt.
Safety Tip: Residents are advised to keep emergency exits clear and stay away from fragile structures or glass windows in the event of aftershocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake struck at approximately 6:09 PM PKT on Friday evening.
Q2: What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
The quake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale.
Q3: Where was the epicenter located?
The epicenter was in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.
Q4: Which areas were affected?
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Mardan, Abbottabad, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Malakand, and Attock.
Q5: Were there any casualties reported?
No immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage have been confirmed.
