5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Punjab, Islamabad, parts of KP

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale jolted several parts of Punjab, as well as Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Saturday evening, prompting authorities to inspect buildings for any damage.

According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), tremors were felt in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali, Multan, the Pothohar region and several other districts across the province.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the earthquake struck at 6:35pm with its epicentre in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. The quake had a magnitude of 5.9 and occurred at a depth of around 178 kilometres.

The PMD said tremors were also reported in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mansehra, Shangla, Swat and Chakwal.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the relevant district administrations had begun inspecting buildings to assess any potential damage. He added that the PDMA Provincial Control Room and District Emergency Operations Centres across Punjab remained operational round the clock to monitor the situation.

No immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received.

A day ago, three earthquakes struck different parts of Balochistan, with the strongest measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, according to the PMD.

The first earthquake, measuring 4.2 in magnitude, was recorded at 10:25am. It originated at a depth of 42 kilometres, with its epicentre located about 57 kilometres northeast of Sibi.

The second tremor, measuring 5.0 in magnitude, occurred at 10:58am. The earthquake originated at a depth of 18 kilometres, with its epicentre approximately 65 kilometres northeast of Kohlu.

Later in the day, at 4:49pm, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded at a depth of 17 kilometres. The epicentre was located around 60 kilometres northeast of Kohlu. The tremor was felt in Zhob, Barkhan and Rakhni, the PMD said.