Islamabad: A moderate earthquake jolted several cities across northern Pakistan late tuesday night, triggering panic among residents but causing no immediate reports of damage or casualties, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The tremor, which struck at 11:15 PM PST on October 21, measured 5.3 in magnitude on the Richter scale, with a depth of 234 kilometers. The epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, a known seismic hotspot that frequently affects northern Pakistan.
The earthquake was felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Malakand, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, prompting many residents to rush outdoors from their homes and buildings as a precautionary measure.
Public Reaction
Social media platforms lit up with real-time reports and reactions, as users shared their experiences of shaking beds, rattling windows, and swaying ceiling fans. In Islamabad and Peshawar, residents in high-rise apartments evacuated briefly, fearing aftershocks.
Emergency services reported receiving dozens of calls, but no serious injuries or property damage have been reported so far. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, especially in seismically active zones.
Seismic Activity in the Region
Northern Pakistan lies near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly seismically active. The Hindu Kush region, where Sunday night’s tremor originated, frequently produces deep-focus earthquakes, which are often felt over large areas but typically cause less surface damage due to their depth.
The PMD continues to monitor seismic activity and advises citizens to follow safety protocols during and after any tremor.
