A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck parts of northern Pakistan on Saturday, with tremors felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several districts across Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported the epicentre was located approximately 60 kilometres northwest of Rawalpindi, at a depth of 12 kilometres.
The tremors were recorded at 12:31 pm local time.
Strong shocks were reported in Islamabad and the twin city of Rawalpindi, prompting residents to evacuate homes and buildings in fear. Similar tremors were also felt in Swat, Swabi, Buner, Sangla Hill, and surrounding areas.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab confirmed that the earthquake was also felt in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, and other areas of the province.
No loss of life or property damage has been reported so far, according to PDMA officials.
However, emergency response teams and equipment have been placed on high alert across the affected regions.
“The PDMA’s provincial control room and district emergency operation centers remain operational 24/7,” said DG PDMA Punjab. “Any damage or emergency can be reported via the PDMA helpline at 1129.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and residents have been advised to remain cautious in the event of aftershocks.
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