According to the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a 5.5 coarse earthquake struck parts in northern Pakistan, with tremors felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The National Seismic Superilling Center reported that the epicenter was located approximately 60 kilometers north-west of Rawalpindi, at a depth of 12 kilometers.
The tremors were recorded at 12:31 p.m. local time.
Strong shocks have been reported in Islamabad and the twin city of Rawalpindi, which prompted residents to evacuate houses and buildings of fear. Similar tremors have also been felt in Swat, Swabi, Buner, Sangla Hill and the surrounding area.
The provincial Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that the earthquake was also felt in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat and other regions of the province.
No loss of life or material damage has been reported so far, according to PDMA officials.
However, the emergency intervention teams and equipment have been placed on high alert in the affected regions.
“The PDMA provincial control room and the district emergency operations centers remain operational 24/7,” said DG PDMA Punjab. “Any damage or emergency can be reported via the PDMA assistance line at 1129.”
The authorities continue to monitor the situation and residents were advised to remain cautious in the event of aftershocks.
