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Pakistan Shaken: Quake Rattles Northern Cities
21 Feb
Summary
- A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck northern Pakistan, felt in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
- The earthquake's epicenter was north of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a 10km depth.
- Seismologists note frequent quakes in the region due to Himalayan tectonic activity.
Northern Pakistan experienced seismic activity on Saturday when a 4.5-magnitude earthquake occurred. Residents in major cities such as Islamabad and Rawalpindi felt the tremors, with shaking also reported in nearby towns including Swabi, Haripur, and Khanpur. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake's epicenter was north of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Homes and office buildings swayed during the event, leading many individuals to evacuate for safety as a precaution. Seismologists explain that moderate earthquakes are not uncommon in this part of Pakistan due to the dynamic tectonic nature of the Himalayan region. They have advised the public to stay calm and adhere to safety guidelines during such seismic events.
This recent earthquake follows a series of seismic disturbances in the country. On the preceding Friday, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake was recorded with its epicenter in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, affecting parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier in the week, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake was registered near Khuzdar in Balochistan. The prior month also saw two separate 5.8-magnitude earthquakes impacting various areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Peshawar.
