A 5.4-magnitude earthquake jolted Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Punjab on Monday. Authorities confirmed that tremors originated from the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan. Consequently, residents across several cities felt strong shaking and rushed outdoors for safety.
The seismological centre reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 215 kilometres. Experts noted that deeper earthquakes often spread across wider geographic areas. Therefore, tremors were felt across multiple provinces within seconds.
Tremors Felt Across KP and Major Cities
The earthquake affected around 15 districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These included Peshawar, Swat, Buner, Kohat, and Abbottabad. In addition, residents in Mohmand, Swabi, and Dera Ismail Khan also reported shaking.
Moreover, areas in South Waziristan, Tank, and Wana experienced noticeable tremors. People quickly evacuated homes and offices in fear of possible aftershocks. Meanwhile, local authorities advised citizens to remain alert and avoid panic.
Punjab and Islamabad Also Experience Shaking
In Punjab, residents of Multan and nearby areas felt the tremors strongly. Similarly, Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced brief but noticeable shaking. As a result, many people moved into open spaces for safety.
Rescue authorities confirmed that they received emergency alerts from multiple districts. However, they reported no immediate casualties or structural damage. They also urged citizens to contact emergency services if needed.
Pakistan lies along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Therefore, the country frequently experiences seismic activity. Experts continue to warn about earthquake risks in vulnerable regions.
