5.4 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS ISLAMABAD AND PUNJAB

A powerful earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale shook parts of Pakistan, including the capital city Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab provinces, on Saturday afternoon, creating fear among the people. The tremors were felt in many areas, causing panic and pushing residents out of their homes, offices, and buildings.

When and Where the Earthquake Happened

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake occurred at around 2:30 PM local time. Its epicenter was located near the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan, at a depth of 190 kilometers. Even though the earthquake’s center was far from the cities of Pakistan, its deep depth allowed the shockwaves to travel over a wide area.

The tremors were strongly felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Faisalabad, Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, and other nearby regions.
People Panic as Tremors Hit

As soon as the earthquake hit, people in many cities ran out of their houses and buildings in fear. Videos shared on social media showed people standing in open grounds and streets, reciting prayers and helping each other. Many were seen holding children or calling their family members to check if they were safe.

In offices and schools, workers and students evacuated buildings as a safety measure. Some buildings were temporarily closed to inspect for possible damage.
No Casualties or Major Damage Reported So Far

Luckily, as of now, no deaths or major damage have been reported. However, minor cracks in walls, fallen items from shelves, and slight damages in older buildings were seen in some areas. The authorities have said that emergency teams are on alert and ready to respond to any situation.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said they are monitoring the situation closely and asked the public to remain calm. They also reminded people to stay away from weak structures and follow safety guidelines during aftershocks.

Earthquakes Common in This Region

The region where the earthquake occurred lies in a seismically active zone, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This region, including Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, and parts of India, regularly experiences earthquakes, some of which have caused serious destruction in the past.

Experts say that earthquakes in the Hindu Kush range are common and often felt in northern Pakistan. Because the earthquakes originate deep inside the Earth, they can be felt across a wide area, including cities far away from the epicenter.

Preparedness and Public Response

After the tremors, social media platforms were flooded with messages and videos of people sharing their experiences. Many netizens reported feeling strong jolts that lasted several seconds. Some said it reminded them of previous deadly quakes in the region.

Rescue services and hospitals have been kept on high alert, though no serious emergency has been reported. Authorities urged people to stay informed, avoid spreading false news, and follow official updates for any warnings or aftershock alerts.

Safety Tips During Earthquakes

The NDMA and disaster experts have reminded people of important safety measures during an earthquake:

Drop, Cover, and Hold: Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Stay indoors if you are inside, away from windows and heavy furniture.

Avoid elevators. Use stairs if you need to leave a building.

If outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

Keep an emergency kit with basic supplies, water, food, and important documents