5.4-magnitude earthquake jolts Islamabad and parts of KP
Tremors felt in Islamabad and several KP districts
The earthquake was felt across Islamabad and nearby areas. Tremors were also reported in Peshawar, Malakand, and several other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Residents in the affected areas felt the ground shake, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. No major incident was immediately reported following the earthquake.
PMD confirms epicentre in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the earthquake originated in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. The Hindu Kush is known for frequent seismic activity, and earthquakes originating there are often felt in northern and northwestern parts of Pakistan.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 187 kilometres, allowing tremors to be felt across a wider area. Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other northern regions of Pakistan can experience tremors from earthquakes originating in Afghanistan.
USGS records slightly lower magnitude
The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.3. It placed the epicentre around 35 kilometres south-southwest of Jurm in Afghanistan.
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Differences in magnitude readings can occur because seismic agencies use different instruments, data and methods to measure earthquakes. Both the PMD and USGS placed the earthquake’s epicentre in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region.
No immediate reports of casualties or damage
There were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage following the earthquake. The tremors caused concern among residents in Islamabad and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation for any reports of damage from affected areas. The immediate impact of the earthquake appeared limited, with no major emergency reported.
Why earthquakes from Afghanistan are felt in Pakistan
The Hindu Kush region lies in an area of significant tectonic activity. Earthquakes occurring in the region can send tremors across Afghanistan, Pakistan and neighbouring countries.
Northern Pakistan, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, is more vulnerable to seismic activity because of its proximity to major fault zones. Strong earthquakes originating in Afghanistan can also be felt in Islamabad and parts of Punjab.
