Earthquake Tremors Shake Islamabad, Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities — Magnitude 5.3 - Bio Points News

Earthquake Tremors Felt in Islamabad and Several Cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

ISLAMABAD: Mild earthquake tremors were felt in Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, and surrounding areas on Thursday, sparking brief panic among residents as people rushed out of homes and offices.

According to Dawn News, the tremors were felt at approximately 5:15 PM, prompting concerned citizens to recite prayers and contact loved ones. Fortunately, no immediate reports of casualties or major property damage have surfaced.

Details of the Earthquake

The Seismological Center reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale, with tremors noticeable across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal capital territory.

• Magnitude: 5.3

• Depth: 230 kilometers

• Epicenter: Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan

The Hindu Kush mountain range, which lies along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, is a known seismically active zone, frequently experiencing moderate to strong earthquakes due to the complex tectonic interactions in the region.

No Loss of Life or Property Reported

Officials confirmed that, owing to the significant depth of the earthquake — around 230 kilometers beneath the surface — its intensity at ground level was relatively mild. As a result, while tremors were widely felt, there have been no reports of loss of life or significant damage to infrastructure.

Rescue services and district administrations in the affected areas remained on high alert, conducting routine checks to ensure public safety.

Series of Recent Earthquakes in the Region

It is noteworthy that this is not an isolated incident. In the past several weeks, various cities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Punjab have experienced multiple tremors, with magnitudes ranging between 4.0 and 6.0 on the Richter scale.

While these quakes have not caused any major disasters, seismologists have advised residents in the region to stay vigilant, especially given the area's proximity to multiple active fault lines.

Public Response

Soon after the tremors were felt, people in cities like Peshawar, Mardan, and Islamabad vacated buildings, open spaces filled with anxious residents, and emergency helplines experienced increased traffic. Many turned to social media to share their experiences and check on friends and family.

Local authorities urged the public to follow earthquake safety protocols, avoid spreading rumors, and stay alert for any aftershocks, though experts suggest that significant aftershocks are unlikely given the depth of this seismic event. While the tremors served as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability, the deep origin of the earthquake helped minimize its impact. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and citizens are encouraged to stay informed and prepared.