A mild but noticeable earthquake shook parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and nearby cities in the early hours of August 3, 2025. The quake, measured at a magnitude of 5.1, struck around 12:10 AM Pakistan Standard Time, about 15 kilometers southeast of Rawat, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The tremor came from a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, which made it more widely felt across the region. People in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Jhelum, Shahkot, Bhalwal, Wazirabad, Nankana Sahib, Jalalpur Bhattian, and some areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir reported feeling the ground shake.
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Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or major damage so far, though authorities are still monitoring the situation closely.
Experts say the epicenter of this earthquake lies near the Rawat Fault, part of the Potohar Plateau a geologically active area known for frequent seismic activity. This region sits close to the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plate boundary, which is responsible for many past earthquakes in northern Pakistan.
The earthquake’s shaking reached level V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. This means that while the shaking was strong enough to be felt clearly, it usually doesn’t cause major damage to buildings or infrastructure. Residents may have felt light objects shaking or heard rumbling sounds, especially if they were near the epicenter.
Seismologists believe this quake was not an isolated event. Aftershocks, which are smaller quakes following a main shock, are expected in the next few days. These may go up to a magnitude of 3.0. Such aftershocks are normal and usually not dangerous, but residents are still advised to stay cautious and be prepared, especially in areas where buildings may not be earthquake-resistant.
The Rawat region’s history of tremors means this isn’t the first or last time it will experience an earthquake. Locals are encouraged to keep emergency kits ready and stay informed through official sources. While this quake caused no visible damage, it serves as a reminder that the area remains vulnerable to seismic activity, and preparation is key to safety in future events.
