Mild 4.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Chitral

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 struck near Chitral on November 1 at 14:50 PST, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The quake originated at a depth of 50 km, with its epicenter located approximately 90 km northeast of Chitral at coordinates 36.56°N, 72.29°E.

Authorities reported no casualties or damage, and there were no immediate reports of the tremor being felt in surrounding areas.

Read: 5.4-strong quake jolts K-P, Punjab

The PMD continues to monitor seismic activity in the region and advises residents to remain alert for any aftershocks.

Why earthquakes occur

Earthquakes occur when stress builds up along the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates. When these plates suddenly shift or collide, energy is released in the form of seismic waves that cause the ground to shake.

The Hindu Kush region — where many quakes affecting Pakistan originate — lies near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. As the Indian plate pushes northward under the Eurasian plate, the resulting friction and pressure often trigger moderate to strong earthquakes.

Seismic activity in this region is common, but the depth of the quake often determines how strongly it is felt on the surface. Deep-focus earthquakes, like the one recorded at 234 kilometres, tend to cause less surface damage despite being widely felt.

Read More: 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolts many parts of K-P

A powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan in late August 2025, devastating remote mountain communities and leaving more than 2,200 people dead and 3,600 injured. The quake’s epicentre was near Jalalabad, close to the Pakistan border, and its shallow depth—around five to eight kilometres—intensified the destruction.

Entire villages were flattened in the rugged terrain, where most homes are built from mud and unreinforced brick, making them highly vulnerable to collapse.