On Saturday, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook Islamabad and several other areas of northern Pakistan. The tremors were felt at 12:31 pm local time, causing people to rush out of their homes and offices in fear, reported by Pakistani media.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the earthquake’s epicentre was located around 60 kilometres northwest of Rawalpindi at a depth of 12 kilometres. Strong shocks were experienced in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and many parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Cities like Swat, Swabi, Buner, Sangla Hill, and nearby areas also felt the tremors. In Punjab, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed the earthquake was felt in major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujrat.
Although the tremors caused panic among residents, there have been no reports of loss of life or property damage so far. The PDMA officials stated that emergency response teams have been placed on high alert in case of any emergencies.
“The PDMA’s provincial control room and district emergency operation centres are working round the clock,” said the Director General of PDMA Punjab. He also urged people to call the PDMA helpline at 1129 to report any damage or seek help.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and residents have been advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks. People are also encouraged to remain calm and follow safety measures during any future tremors.
So far, the situation appears to be under control, and emergency systems are fully active to respond if needed.
This earthquake is a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the importance of being prepared. Emergency drills, awareness campaigns, and quick response systems play a key role in reducing risks during such natural events.
