Residents of Islamabad, Peshawar, and several northern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were jolted awake on Tuesday morning as an earthquake sent people rushing into the streets in fear.
Widespread Tremors Across Northern KP
According to initial reports, the earthquake was felt across multiple districts including Abbottabad, Charsadda, Chitral, Haripur, Malakand, Batkhela, and Swabi. Pakistan’s National Seismological Centre recorded the quake at 5.2 magnitude on the Richter scale, with its epicentre located in the Hindu Kush mountain range at a depth of around 190 kilometres.
Deep-focus quakes from this region are not unusual, but they often spread across wide areas, which explains why tremors were felt in so many districts simultaneously.
Authorities Urge Caution Despite No Losses
So far, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has, however, advised residents to remain alert and follow safety protocols in case of aftershocks.
KP and northern Pakistan frequently experience tremors due to their proximity to tectonic fault lines, making disaster preparedness a recurring concern for local authorities.
