PESHAWAR: Residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital city were startled on Wednesday as a mild earthquake struck the region. According to the Seismological Centre, the tremor measured 4.7 on the Richter Scale and had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Afghanistan.
The earthquake, though not powerful enough to cause damage, was strong enough to be felt across Peshawar. Panic spread among locals as homes and buildings gently shook for a few seconds. People rushed out of buildings, fearing aftershocks or stronger tremors.
The Seismological Centre reported the depth of the earthquake at 211 kilometres, which typically reduces the surface impact. No casualties or property damage were reported, but emergency services remained on alert.
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Recurring Seismic Activity in the Region
This latest earthquake is part of a pattern of recurring seismic activity in the region. Just a month ago, on May 10, an earthquake of magnitude 5.3 was recorded in Islamabad and various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Mardan, Swabi, and North Waziristan. The epicentre of that quake was also located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush range at a slightly deeper depth of 230 kilometres.
Prior to that, on April 12, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake rattled multiple cities across northern Punjab, KP, and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. That quake was shallower, at a depth of just 12 kilometres, and was felt more intensely. Cities like Attock, Chakwal, Mohmand, Lower Dir, Lakki Marwat, and Malakand experienced tremors.
Then again on April 16, another earthquake, measuring 5.3 in magnitude, shook areas of KP, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and even parts of Afghanistan. These repeated events underline the region’s vulnerability to seismic disturbances.
Pakistan lies on a highly active seismic zone, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Their collision creates intense geological stress beneath the surface, often resulting in earthquakes that can range from minor to devastating.
Karachi Experiences Surge in Mild Quakes
While northern Pakistan remains prone to moderate earthquakes, it is the southern port city of Karachi that has recently drawn attention due to an unusual series of tremors. Over the last few weeks, the city experienced approximately 30 mild quakes, alarming residents and experts alike.
Chief Meteorologist Aamir Haider explained that the recent tremors in Karachi are linked to the reactivation of the Landhi Fault Line. After lying dormant for several decades, this fault line has become active again and is currently undergoing a “normalisation phase,” causing a series of low-intensity quakes.
Although no serious damage has been reported from the Karachi tremors, meteorological authorities are closely monitoring seismic patterns in the region. Citizens have been advised to remain cautious, especially in multi-storey buildings.
With seismic activity on the rise across the country, experts are urging the government to reinforce disaster preparedness and promote earthquake-resistant infrastructure, especially in urban centres like Peshawar and Karachi.
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