Parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were shaken by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake on Thursday, causing temporary panic among residents.
The quake’s tremors were felt in various regions, including Swat, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Islamabad, Lahore, Swabi, Kohat, Abbottabad, Sargodha, Peshawar, Batgram, Khyber, Landi Kotal, Barra, Chitral, and other areas of Pakistan.
The seismological center reported that the earthquake’s depth was measured at 213 kilometers, with the epicenter located in the Hindukush region. In response to the tremors, people rushed out of their homes, reciting Kalma-e-Tayyaba, expressing their fear during the event.
Fortunately, no loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) confirmed that tremors were also felt in Gilgit and its adjoining areas. In a similar incident in November, a 3.3 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale had jolted Gilgit and nearby regions.
The NSMC in Islamabad provided additional details, stating that the depth of the recent quake was recorded at 45 kilometers, with the epicenter located 84 kilometers in the North West.
Despite the widespread sensation of the tremors, the earthquake appears to have caused only minor disturbances, providing a collective sigh of relief to the affected communities.
Local authorities and disaster management teams are urged to remain vigilant and assess the situation, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the aftermath of the earthquake.
As seismic activities continue to be a concern in the region, community preparedness and awareness are crucial for mitigating potential risks associated with earthquakes.