A 5.2-magnitude earthquake was felt across several cities in northern Pakistan on Tuesday, sending people rushing out of homes and offices in fear.
Widespread Tremors Across Multiple Cities
Residents in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and a number of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts — including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Abbottabad, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Bannu, Taxila, and Dera Ismail Khan — reported strong tremors lasting several seconds.
Epicenter in the Hindu Kush
According to the Seismological Center, the quake originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range, a region known for frequent seismic activity due to its location near the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The quake struck at a depth of 190 kilometers, which helped limit its destructive potential.
Public Reaction and Aftermath
The sudden jolt triggered panic in many areas, with residents reciting prayers as they rushed outdoors. Despite the intensity of the tremors, authorities confirmed there were no casualties or significant damage reported.
Context: A Region Prone to Quakes
Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan are among the world’s most seismically active regions, with the Hindu Kush acting as a hotspot for medium- to high-intensity earthquakes. Experts note that deep quakes like this one often cause widespread shaking but rarely lead to severe destruction.
