Tremors: K-P, FATA hit by 5.7 magnitude earthquake

PESHAWAR: An earthquake measuring 5.7 in magnitude shook parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) on Sunday. Fortunately, no loss of life or property was reported.



A meteorological department official said the epicentre of the earthquake was the Hindu Kush range in Afghanistan and its depth was 197 kilometres below ground. Tremors were felt in Bisham, Damorai, Poran, Chakesar, Martong, Buner, Swat and parts of Shangla district, instilling fear among residents who immediately evacuated their homes.



On October 5, an earthquake of magnitude 5.6 was felt in Swat, Chitral and Lower Dir. No damages were reported.

Earlier on September 24, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Balochistan, killing more than 500 people and injuring over 600. As many as 300,000 people were displaced and more than 21,000 households affected. Since then three subsequent aftershocks measuring 5.9, 4.7 and 4.9 have furthered the damage in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2013.