A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on Wednesday, sending tremors across parts of northern Pakistan.
Residents in Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat, Swabi and several other districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) felt the shaking.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the earthquake occurred at 12:51 pm.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 187 kilometres, with its epicentre located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region.
Tremors were reported in Islamabad and nearby areas. Residents in Peshawar, Malakand and other parts of KP also felt the earthquake.
The shaking caused concern among residents in affected areas. Some people briefly left buildings as a precaution.
However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage.
USGS Records Earthquake at 5.3 Magnitude
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.3.
According to the USGS, the epicentre was located around 35 kilometres south-southwest of Jurm in Afghanistan.
The difference in magnitude readings can occur because different monitoring agencies use separate seismic data and assessment methods.
Despite the variation, the earthquake was strong enough to produce tremors across parts of Pakistan.
Hindu Kush Remains Seismically Active
The Hindu Kush region is considered one of the seismically active areas in the region.
It has experienced several earthquakes in recent months, with tremors frequently reaching parts of Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s proximity to northern and western Pakistan means earthquakes originating there can often be felt across the border.
Islamabad and several districts of KP remain among the areas that can experience tremors from seismic activity in the Hindu Kush region.
The latest earthquake has once again highlighted the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.
Pakistan Reports Recent Earthquake Activity
Pakistan has also experienced several earthquakes in recent weeks.
Last week, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake was reported near Dalbandin in Balochistan.
The epicentre of that earthquake was located around 100 kilometres southwest of Dalbandin.
No major losses were reported from that incident either.
Meanwhile, authorities have not reported casualties or significant damage from Wednesday’s earthquake.
Residents in affected areas are advised to remain cautious and follow official safety instructions if further tremors occur.
