A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Kashmir on January 19, 2026, sending tremors across Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and triggering rockfalls and suspected landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas.

According to officials, the earthquake occurred at 11:21 AM at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located in northwestern Kashmir near 36.80°N latitude and 74.42°E longitude, placing it close to highly sensitive seismic zones of northern Pakistan.

The shaking was strongly felt in Hunza and Nagar valleys, where residents reported rocks and debris tumbling down steep slopes shortly after the tremor. Videos circulating on social media showed dust clouds rising from hillsides, indicating fresh slope instability in the aftermath of the quake.

Authorities warned that Gilgit-Baltistan’s rugged terrain makes it especially vulnerable to secondary hazards such as landslides following even moderate earthquakes. Several roadside stretches in mountainous belts were placed on alert due to the risk of falling rocks, which can disrupt traffic and cut off remote communities.

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Experts noted that Gilgit-Baltistan lies along the active boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, a region known for frequent seismic activity. In such areas, aftershocks or minor vibrations can continue to loosen already weakened slopes for hours or even days.

Residents and travellers have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in landslide-prone zones, and to avoid unnecessary travel through narrow mountain roads. No casualties or major structural damage were reported immediately, but authorities said monitoring remains underway to respond swiftly to any emerging emergencies.