Residents of Pakistan’s twin cities and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced strong tremors late Thursday night as a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck the region. The quake caused widespread alarm, forcing many people to rush out of their homes for safety.
Details of the Earthquake
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the tremor was recorded at 9:56pm with a depth of 111 kilometres. The epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush region, an area known for frequent seismic activity due to its mountainous terrain and tectonic movement.
Tremors were reported in multiple cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Swat, Attock, Hangu, Mansehra, and Malakand. Residents described the shaking as lasting for several seconds, long enough to spark panic across communities.
Panic Among Residents
The sudden tremors prompted residents to evacuate homes, offices, and shops. Many people gathered in open spaces, fearing aftershocks. While no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Recent Seismic Activity in the Region
This latest quake follows a series of recent tremors across Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan. Just two days earlier, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, with tremors felt in Peshawar, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Swat, and Mansehra. The quake was recorded at a depth of 22 kilometres.
International monitoring agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, had earlier reported the Afghan quake at a magnitude of 5.2, centred 34 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province. That tremor came shortly after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit remote Afghan provinces near Pakistan’s border, leaving several mountainous areas devastated.
Multiple Minor Quakes Reported
In addition to the major tremors, the PMD documented four minor earthquakes on Tuesday. These included:
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A magnitude 3.0 quake near Pattan at a depth of 46km.
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A magnitude 4.0 tremor in southeastern Afghanistan at a depth of 97km.
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A magnitude 5.4 earthquake in China’s Xinjiang province at a shallow depth of 10km.
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A magnitude 4.4 quake in southeastern Afghanistan at a depth of 20km.
The frequent seismic activity highlights the vulnerability of Pakistan and neighbouring regions, where tectonic shifts regularly trigger earthquakes.
Growing Concerns About Safety
Seismologists warn that the Hindu Kush and adjoining areas remain highly earthquake-prone. Communities living in northern Pakistan and Afghanistan are particularly exposed due to mountainous terrain, vulnerable infrastructure, and densely populated urban centres.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant, ensure the structural safety of homes, and prepare emergency plans. With multiple quakes striking within days, the importance of disaster readiness has become more urgent than ever.
