A strong earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale shook various parts of the country, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC). The earthquake, which occurred on Sunday, did not result in any loss of life thus far.
Tremors were felt in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir, causing residents to evacuate their homes and high-rise buildings in a state of panic. The seismic waves also reached Lahore, Jhelum, and Chakwal in Punjab.
While the US Geological Survey initially reported the magnitude of the earthquake as 5.2, the NSMC confirmed it as 6.0. The earthquake struck at 10:50 am, with its epicenter located in the border region between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Its depth was recorded at 223 kilometers, leading to its effects being felt in several countries, including Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and India.
Fortunately, no immediate casualties or damages have been reported in the aftermath of the earthquake. Pakistan, situated on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, frequently experiences natural disasters such as earthquakes. The seismic activity in the region is attributed to the Indian plate pushing north into the Eurasian plate.
Recent earthquakes serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. Authorities and communities are encouraged to prioritize such efforts to minimize the impact of such natural events.
