A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale shook several cities in Pakistan early Tuesday, causing brief panic but no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The tremors were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore, and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, according to initial updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Residents in affected cities reported feeling the ground shake for several seconds, prompting many to rush outdoors. The sudden quake, though not extremely powerful, was strong enough to rattle buildings and alert citizens during the early hours of the day.
According to seismologists, the epicenter of the earthquake and its depth are still being evaluated, but the tremor was classified as moderate. Authorities confirmed that no loss of life or property damage has been reported so far. (Dawn News)
Emergency services remain on alert as a precautionary measure, especially in areas prone to aftershocks. Officials have advised the public to stay calm and follow safety protocols in case of any subsequent tremors.
Earthquakes are relatively common in Pakistan due to its location near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Cities in the north and northwest of the country, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are considered high-risk zones for seismic activity.
In recent years, Pakistan has experienced multiple moderate-to-severe earthquakes. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake, one of the deadliest in the region’s history, measured 7.6 in magnitude and resulted in over 80,000 deaths. Since then, government agencies have been working to improve disaster preparedness and earthquake early warning systems.
As this is a developing story, more details are expected to emerge following further geological assessments and updates from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
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