Web desk: Earthquake tremors felt in Swat and its surrounding areas. Tremors were also felt in Peshawar, ad different parts of the country.
Tremors from a 5.4 magnitude earthquake were felt across several parts of Pakistan on Tuesday afternoon, including the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Residents in Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Bajaur, Malakand and both Upper and Lower Dir also reported the ground shaking.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre confirmed that the quake struck at around 5:30PM. Its epicentre was located in south-eastern Afghanistan, with a depth recorded at 22 kilometres.
People in the Khyber district and surrounding areas also felt the tremors. Many left their homes and offices in fear, though officials later confirmed there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.
Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious because of the possibility of aftershocks. Rescue and relief agencies have been put on alert, while district administrations have begun assessing the situation in affected areas.
Afghanistan announced on Tuesday that the death toll from the recent earthquake has climbed to 1,411. Rescue teams are struggling to reach remote villages in the mountainous eastern region, where difficult terrain is slowing operations.
According to spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, at least 3,124 people have been injured and more than 5,400 homes destroyed. He added that the number of casualties could rise further.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society also warned that many people are still believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountains, where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates intersect, often triggering deadly tremors.
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