LAHORE – August 2: Several cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, experienced moderate earthquake tremors on Friday evening, causing panic among residents but no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake struck at approximately 6:38 PM local time. The tremors were felt in various cities across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The quake caused people to evacuate homes, offices, and commercial spaces in haste, with many reciting prayers as buildings swayed.
Preliminary data from PMD and international seismic centers suggests the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.6 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. The depth of the quake was measured at approximately 180 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface, which is why it was felt over such a wide area.
While the intensity was enough to alarm the public, authorities confirmed that no infrastructure damage or casualties had been reported as of yet. Emergency response teams and district administrations remained on alert in the aftermath.
Social media platforms were quickly flooded with citizens sharing their experiences, with hashtags like #earthquake and #tremors trending in Pakistan.
Seismologists note that the Hindu Kush region is known for its tectonic activity and frequently triggers deep earthquakes that can be felt across northern Pakistan. Citizens have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to follow safety protocols during aftershocks.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
