Tremors from a 5.3-magnitude earthquake were felt in Peshawar and Islamabad on Wednesday evening, creating panic among residents who rushed outdoors for safety. According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) Seismic Network, the quake occurred at 6:27pm with a depth of 110 kilometres.
Its epicentre was identified in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, a region known for frequent seismic activity. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also confirmed seismic activity in northeast Afghanistan near the Pakistan border. The USGS placed the epicentre around 35 kilometres south of Eshkashem and reported the magnitude slightly lower at 5.1 with a depth of 128 kilometres.
The difference in readings between PMD and USGS is not unusual, as measurements often vary depending on seismic monitoring systems and data analysis methods.
Pakistan, particularly the northern and northwestern regions, remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its proximity to the Hindu Kush seismic zone. In recent weeks, several tremors have been recorded in the same region.
Just last week, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted northern parts of the country, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as well as several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PMD at the time reported the quake’s depth at 190 kilometres, with the epicentre also located in the Hindu Kush region.
Experts explain that most earthquakes in this area are deep-seated, which often reduces the likelihood of major surface damage despite their intensity. Nevertheless, seismologists caution that shallow quakes can be far more destructive, and preparedness remains essential.
The PMD’s shake map for Wednesday’s earthquake indicated moderate intensity tremors, strong enough to be felt in major cities but not severe enough to cause significant harm.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols during such seismic events.
