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On Wednesday, a significant seismic event shook parts of Pakistan, including its capital city Islamabad. The earthquake, measured at 5.7 on the Richter scale, originated near the Dera Ghazi Khan region in Punjab province, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers, causing tremors to be felt throughout the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces, as well as reaching into neighboring India.
While initial reports indicate no immediate casualties or substantial damage, authorities in Punjab province are on high alert to monitor for aftershocks and assess any potential structural impacts. Emergency operation centers throughout the province, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority's control room, have been placed on 24/7 alert. The provincial administration is actively examining buildings for any damage resulting from the tremors, with the disaster management authority providing a helpline for reporting any concerns.
The earthquake's magnitude was confirmed by various sources, including the PMD, the National Center for Seismology in India, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). While the PMD reported the magnitude as 5.7, the National Center for Seismology in India registered it at 5.8, and the USGS recorded it at 5.4. Despite the slight variations in reported magnitude, the event was clearly felt across a wide area, impacting Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity. In recent memory, Pakistan has experienced several significant earthquakes, including two magnitude 5.1 earthquakes last month that shook Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Notably, a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake in 2005 claimed the lives of thousands of people in Pakistan and Kashmir. These events underscore the importance of preparedness and prompt response measures in areas prone to seismic hazards.
Source: Islamabad, parts of Pakistan jolted by 5.7 magnitude earthquake: Met Dept