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| A Richter scale measuring earthquake. — AFP/File |
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5.9-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes KP, Punjab & AJK – No
Casualties Reported
A powerful 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck on September 4,
2025, with the epicenter in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush. Tremors rattled Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. No casualties
were reported.
A Richter scale measuring earthquake. —
AFP/FileStrong tremors from a 5.9-magnitude earthquake were felt across parts of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and the federal capital region on
Thursday.According to the Seismic Monitoring Center of the Pakistan
Meteorological...
On the evening of September 4, 2025, a sudden jolt rattled communities
across northern Pakistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Seismic
Monitoring Center detected a strong 5.9-magnitude earthquake, sparked deep
beneath the surface in Afghanistan's rugged Hindu Kush region. Though no
injuries or damage have been reported yet, the quake sent
shockwaves—literally—through bustling cities and serene valleys alike.
Shortly before 10 pm local time, Peshawar, Mansehra, Hangu,
Abbottabad, Swat, Attock, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad felt the tremors, stirring
residents from their routines DawnGeo News. In the provinces
of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cities like Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, Bajaur,
Mohmand, Shabqadar, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Kohat bore the brunt of the
movement, as well as Parachinar—all rattled by the seismic tremor Geo News. In Punjab, jolts
rippled through Mianwali, Chakwal, Talagang, Kallar Kahar, and even farther
south into Multan Geo News. And in the scenic
valleys of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, people in Neelum Valley and Dhirkot sensed
nature's sudden movement Geo News.
The epicenter’s location—deep within the Hindu Kush, at a
substantial 111-kilometer depth—actually helped minimize the quake's
destructive potential. Felt widely, yes—but with less immediate surface damage
than a shallow quake might cause Geo NewsDawn. Still, any tremor of this scale is a stark
reminder of the powerful forces at work beneath our feet.
Authorities were swift to respond. The Punjab Provincial
Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) activated district emergency operation
centres and mobilized teams to check buildings and monitor infrastructure. The
PDMA’s Director General noted that, as of now, there are no reported casualties
or structural damage—a small relief amid the unsettling event Dawn. Residents who felt the quake—especially in
twin cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi—described a few seconds of shaking
that echoed through their homes, offices, and streets Dawn.
This quake is part of a broader pattern of seismic activity
in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic
plates collide. Not long ago, a devastating magnitude-6.0 quake struck eastern
Afghanistan, leaving more than 2,200 people dead and over 3,600 injured—mostly
in Kunar province The News InternationalGeo News. That tragedy
underscores the lurking dangers each tremor can carry, and why preparedness
must remain high.
In moments of sudden tremor, the instinct is clear—rush
outside, find safe ground, and wait it out. Residents across Islamabad and
Rawalpindi did precisely that, spilling into streets and open areas as a wave
of instinctive caution swept the population Geo NewsDawn.
Thankfully, the aftermath of this 5.9-magnitude event seems
less grim than expected. No injuries, no collapsed buildings, no frantically
mobilized rescue—just a deep respect restored for the Earth's dynamic nature.
That said, the event is a timely reminder: Pakistan's
northern regions should keep a vigilant eye on their infrastructure resilience.
Schools, hospitals, homes—are they quake-ready? Emergency protocols
well-rehearsed? These questions are vital in regions where seismic strings lie
just beneath the surface.
It’s equally crucial for residents across the affected
provinces—from the bustling streets of Rawalpindi to the tranquil slopes of
Neelum Valley—to maintain a mindset grounded in readiness. Even minor tremors
can follow—or precede—stronger ones. Emergency kits, structural checks,
awareness of safe zones—all should be part of everyday life, not just after an
earthquake strikes.
As is typical, the current quake can also serve as a
learning moment for authorities. Rapid, coordinated response—without reports of
damage—is commendable. But what about public education campaigns on earthquake
safety? What about building code enforcement in expanding urban areas?
Strengthening those foundations now may prove lifesaving should the next tremor
be less forgiving.
For now, peace is returning. The tremors have quieted.
People are heading back to their routines, checking in with neighbors, and
listening to official updates. Yet, beneath the surface, tectonic plates
continue their slow, relentless dance—flexing and straining, waiting to remind
us of the power beneath.
This quiet pause is an opportunity. An opportunity to
reflect on how we build, how we prepare, and how we respond. From Peshawar to
Multan, from Islamabad’s avenues to AJK’s valleys, this event is a shared
experience—a reminder that while we may not control the Earth’s movements, we
can control our response.
So, as the heartbeats of families across Punjab, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and the capital settle, remember:
seismic safety isn’t just a reaction—it’s a culture. And every quake, no matter
how contained, can be a chance to strengthen that culture across Pakistan.