On Thursday morning, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck several areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, triggering panic among the residents. The tremors, which were widely felt across Malakand, Upper Dir, Shangla, and Swat, led people to rush out of their homes and workplaces in fear. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or substantial damage.
The seismic activity was also recorded in other regions, including Kohat, Parachinar, Hangu, and Orakzai districts. Residents reported strong tremors, particularly in Malakand’s Batkhela city, where intense shaking prompted many to evacuate buildings. Similarly, the earthquake was strongly felt in Shangla and Swat, where people quickly sought safety outdoors.
According to the Meteorological Department, the earthquake’s epicenter was in Afghanistan, specifically in the Hindu Kush region, and the tremors were measured at a depth of 187 kilometers. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad reported that the earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale.
Although the tremors caused widespread alarm, local authorities have not reported significant infrastructure damage. Emergency response teams were placed on alert, as a precaution, to address any unforeseen developments. This earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s susceptibility to seismic activity, particularly given its proximity to active fault lines.
As of now, authorities continue to monitor the situation and remain vigilant for aftershocks or additional tremors. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about safety measures and to remain cautious.
