A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck northern Pakistan late Tuesday night, causing widespread tremors in major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, and Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake originated in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at a depth of 234 kilometers.
The quake occurred at approximately 11:15 PM, prompting people in several areas to evacuate homes and buildings in panic. Although the tremors were brief, they were strong enough to be felt across a wide region of northern Pakistan.
So far, there have been no official reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Emergency response teams and local authorities remain on alert, while seismic monitoring continues to track aftershock risks.
Pakistan is situated on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly susceptible to seismic activity. Earthquakes are frequent in the region, especially in the northern and northwestern parts of the country. However, due to the depth and location of this particular quake, the intensity on the surface was less severe than it could have been.
Authorities have advised the public to remain calm, stay informed through official sources, and follow earthquake safety protocols. Residents are also encouraged to identify safe areas in their homes and workplaces in preparation for potential aftershocks.
