WEBDESK: Strong earthquake tremors were felt across Islamabad, parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit Baltistan, on Saturday morning.
However, no immediate reports of casualties or damages have been received so far.
According to the Seismological Center, the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale and struck at a depth of 94 kilometres. It’s epicenter was located near the border region between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, a seismically active zone that is known for triggering tremors across the country. The tremors were part of a broader seismic event that affected multiple districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as parts of Islamabad.
Strong tremors were felt in Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Nowshera, Malakand, Mardan, Mansehra, Battagam, and Torghar. In the northern region, severe tremors were also experienced in Gilgit and its surroundings.
Residents in Islamabad also felt the strong tremors. Emergency services and local authorities have been put on alert.
Citizens have been advised to remain calm and follow guidelines in case of any aftershocks.
Earlier on April 17th, Shahbaz Laghari, head of a private earthquake forecasting company, Earthquake Quick News & Research Center (EQQN), had issued a fresh alert, forecasting seismic activity in several countries, including Turkey, Greece, and Pakistan.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan will experience a 5.4 magnitude earthquake next week, with tremors likely to affect both the northern and southern regions of Pakistan,” he said.
