Earthquake Strikes Northern Pakistan
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake shook upper parts of Pakistan on Saturday evening, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed. No loss of life or property has been reported immediately following the tremors, which were felt across several cities and districts.
Affected Areas and Epicenter
Tremors were experienced in the federal capital Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Mansehra, Shangla, Swat, and adjoining areas. The PMD stated that the earthquake's epicenter was located in the Hindukush region of Afghanistan at a depth of 178 kilometers. The depth likely helped reduce surface damage.
Response from Rescue Services
Rescue 1122 spokesman Bilal Faizi confirmed that tremors were felt in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, but no immediate reports of damage were received. Authorities remain on alert for any aftershocks or delayed reports.
Regional Impact
The earthquake also affected eastern provinces of Afghanistan, including Khost and Nangarhar, according to AFP. Earlier on the same day, a separate magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck Pakistan, as reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center, with a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles).
Context of Recent Seismic Activity
This seismic event follows two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, resulting in nearly 1,000 fatalities. United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher told AFP that more than 50,000 people remain missing after buildings collapsed in northern Venezuela. The Pakistan earthquakes, however, have not caused comparable devastation.
