An earthquake registering 5.4 on the Richter scale struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and Punjab on Monday, triggering panic as residents evacuated homes and buildings amid widespread tremors.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department identified the quake’s epicenter in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 215 kilometers, with coordinates recorded at 36.44 degrees north latitude and 70.70 degrees east longitude.
Tremors were widely felt across multiple cities, including Islamabad, Peshawar, Buner, and Bajaur, along with other districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Residents in Battagram, Mansehra, Swat, and Abbottabad also reported experiencing the shaking. In Punjab, the quake was sensed in Faisalabad and Khushab, while Dera Ismail Khan in southern KP also felt the tremors.
Eyewitnesses described a brief evacuation from homes, offices, and commercial centers as a precautionary measure following the shaking.
Officials from the Seismological Centre noted that the earthquake’s significant depth classifies it as a deep-focus event, which typically results in tremors being felt over a larger area but usually causes minimal surface damage.
There have been no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage. Authorities remain vigilant, continuing to monitor the situation closely. Disaster management agencies have advised the public to stay calm and adhere to safety protocols in case of aftershocks.
The Hindu Kush region is known for its high seismic activity, frequently generating earthquakes that impact Pakistan, Afghanistan, and neighboring parts of Central and South Asia.
