A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday morning, triggering fear and panic among residents as strong tremors were felt across a wide region.
According to initial reports, the earthquake occurred suddenly, causing people in homes, offices, and markets to rush outdoors. Many residents were seen reciting Kalma-e-Tayyaba as buildings shook for several seconds.
Earthquake Epicenter and Depth
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) confirmed that the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Afghanistan, a seismically active region known for frequent tremors. The depth of the earthquake was recorded at approximately 12 kilometers, which explains why the tremors were strongly felt in nearby areas of Pakistan.
Cities Where Tremors Were Felt
Tremors were reported in multiple regions, including:
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Islamabad
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Rawalpindi
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Peshawar
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Chitral
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Upper Dir
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Several other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Residents from these areas described the shaking as brief but intense, with fans, furniture, and windows rattling noticeably.
No Casualties or Damage Reported
Despite the widespread impact, no casualties or property damage have been reported so far, according to local authorities and emergency services. Officials stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and advised citizens to remain calm but alert in case of aftershocks.
Authorities Urge Caution
Disaster management officials have urged the public to follow safety guidelines, avoid spreading rumors, and rely only on verified information from official sources. Pakistan lies near major tectonic plates, making earthquakes a recurring natural phenomenon, particularly in the northern regions.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet Friendly)
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Magnitude: 5.7
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Affected Areas: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, KP cities
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Epicenter: Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan
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Depth: 12 km
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Casualties: None reported
