5.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Parts of Pakistan, No Loss of Life Reported

Strategic Insights -

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake was felt in parts of Pakistan, specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Thursday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 5:56am UTC (10:56am Pakistan time) with its epicentre located in the Hindu Kush Region in Afghanistan, at a depth of 215 kilometres. Tremors were felt across various cities in KP, including Mardan, Malakand, Hangu, Buner, Shangla, Dir, and Charsadda, as well as in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Rescue operations are underway, with no loss of life reported as of yet.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 5.4-magnitude earthquake occurred at 5:56am UTC (10:56am Pakistan time) with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush Region in Afghanistan.
  • The quake had a depth of 215 kilometres and was felt across various cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Mardan, Malakand, Hangu, Buner, Shangla, Dir, and Charsadda.
  • Jolts were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with no loss of life reported as of yet.
  • The Rescue 1122 staff in KP's Shangla district was put on high alert after the tremors were felt, with no emergency calls reported so far.
  • The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab stated that the quake was felt in several cities, including Lahore, Multan, Islamabad, Gujranwala, and Sargodha.
  • The PDMA director-general said that the entire administration was busy checking buildings and with staff and machinery on alert to deal with aftershocks.

Statistics:

  • Magnitude of the earthquake: 5.4
  • Depth of the earthquake: 215 kilometres
  • Time of occurrence: 5:56am UTC (10:56am Pakistan time)
  • Location of epicentre: Hindu Kush Region in Afghanistan
  • Cities affected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Mardan, Malakand, Hangu, Buner, Shangla, Dir, and Charsadda
  • Cities affected in Punjab: Lahore, Multan, Islamabad, Gujranwala, and Sargodha

Sources:

  • Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) statement
  • United States Geological Survey (USGS) report
  • Dawn News report
  • DawnNewsTV report
  • Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) statement