On Thursday, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake shook Lahore, Gujrat, and several other cities across Punjab, sparking widespread panic as residents rushed out of their homes and buildings. The tremors were felt over a large area, and while no casualties or property damage have been reported, the quake has once again highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the region.
Tremors Felt Across Punjab and Beyond
The earthquake, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, was felt in multiple cities across Punjab, including Lahore, Jhelum, Kamalia, Khanewal, Chichawatni, Bhalwal, Chiniot, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, Jalalpur Bhattian, Wazirabad, Shahkot, and many others. People across the affected areas described the tremors as strong enough to cause widespread alarm, with many residents hurriedly evacuating buildings and taking refuge outside in fear of further aftershocks. In some areas, locals were observed reciting prayers, including Kalma-e-Tayyaba, for safety.
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Epicentre Located Near Kharian
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the epicentre of the earthquake was located near Kharian, a city in Punjab. The earthquake originated at a depth of 15 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface. Despite the strength of the quake, no major damages have been reported in the affected cities, and rescue teams have not been called into action for casualties or significant destruction.
PDMA Responds Swiftly
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab issued an initial report stating that no loss of life or major property damage was caused by the earthquake. The PDMA’s Director-General confirmed that the administration had launched an immediate inspection of buildings to ensure safety. Emergency teams have been placed on high alert in case aftershocks occur, and all district emergency operation centres are operational around the clock. The PDMA has also advised citizens to report any damage or emergencies to their helpline at 1129.
Region with a History of Seismic Activity
Pakistan’s location on the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it prone to frequent seismic activity. The ongoing collision between these plates results in the regular occurrence of earthquakes in the region, especially in the northern and western parts of the country. In fact, this earthquake comes on the heels of two notable seismic events in recent weeks. Last month, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with its epicentre near the border region of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, at a depth of 212 kilometres. Just two weeks before that, a 5.3-magnitude quake had also rattled parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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The PDMA has urged the public to remain cautious and avoid entering buildings that may be structurally unsafe. With the potential for aftershocks, emergency response teams continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are advised to stay alert and report any incidents or damages immediately.