August 29, 2024
Islamabad, Pakistan — A moderate earthquake struck the Islamabad region and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday, causing concern among residents but, fortunately, no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.
The tremor, measured at a magnitude of 5.6, hit the area around 2:15 PM local time. The epicenter was reported to be near the city of Mansehra in KP, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The quake was felt strongly in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several other parts of KP.
Emergency services and rescue teams were quickly mobilized to assess the impact of the quake. Initial reports suggest that while there has been some damage to infrastructure, including minor cracks in buildings and disrupted utilities, there are no confirmed reports of significant injuries or fatalities at this time.
Residents in the affected areas reported feeling the ground shake for several seconds, with many quickly evacuating buildings as a precaution. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious and stay away from damaged structures until a thorough inspection can be conducted.
The PMD has issued a statement urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and to follow safety protocols during aftershocks, which are not uncommon following an initial quake of this magnitude.
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region, which is situated along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as necessary.
