Web Desk; A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on Friday evening, sending tremors across northern parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat and Chitral. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake occurred at 5:15pm at a depth of 120 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 36.75°N and longitude 72.59°E.
Residents in various cities rushed out of homes and buildings as the tremors were felt. However, no immediate reports of damage or casualties were received from any part of the country.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also recorded a separate 4.7 magnitude earthquake earlier in the day, less than 30 kilometres from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, at a depth of 10km around 4:53pm.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and follow standard safety procedures in the event of aftershocks. Seismic activity in the Hindu Kush region is frequent due to its tectonic positioning, often causing tremors to be felt across Pakistan’s northern belt.
Emergency services remain on alert, though the PMD has clarified that the quake was of moderate intensity and does not currently pose a major threat.
