A 5.7 magnitude earthquake shook parts of Pakistan, including the capital Islamabad, on Wednesday, with tremors felt across the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the quake’s epicenter was near the Dera Ghazi Khan region in the southwestern part of Punjab, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The earthquake originated at 12:28 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
The tremors were felt in multiple cities, including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, causing temporary panic among residents. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 5.4 and noted its impact across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The quake’s intensity was felt as far as Delhi and neighboring regions in India.
Frequent Seismic Activity in the Region
The recent earthquake follows several others in the region over the past few months, highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to seismic activity. On August 29, a 5.4 magnitude quake hit parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This was preceded by a 4.7 magnitude tremor in June and a 3.2 magnitude quake in Karachi the same month. Earlier in May, a 2.3 magnitude earthquake struck Karachi’s Gadap Town and surrounding areas, while another 3.2 magnitude tremor was recorded in April.
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Pakistan is located on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to earthquakes. The collision of these plates has caused significant seismic activity in the region, with several large earthquakes occurring over the years. In 2005, a devastating 7.6 magnitude quake resulted in thousands of deaths in Pakistan and Kashmir, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
A Reminder of Seismic Risks
The recurrence of earthquakes in recent months serves as a reminder of the seismic risks faced by Pakistan. While Wednesday’s quake caused no immediate damage, authorities remain vigilant, and the public is urged to stay informed about safety measures. Seismologists continue to monitor the region closely, emphasizing the importance of building resilient infrastructure to withstand future shocks.
The government has been working on raising public awareness about earthquake preparedness and implementing building codes to reduce the risk of damage. Although there has been some progress, more needs to be done to ensure that communities are better prepared to face seismic events.