Northern parts of Pakistan were shaken by a powerful earthquake, prompting residents to hastily evacuate buildings for their safety. The seismic activity, which occurred at 2:20 pm local time, reverberated across major cities, including Islamabad, Peshawar, Kohat, Dir Bala, DI Khan, Diamar, Swat, Parachinar, Jhang, Khoshab, Bhakkar, and other areas in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan regions.
An earthquake originated on 11-01-2024 at 14:20 PST
Mag: 6.0
Depth: 213 km
Lat: 36.16 N
Long: 70.63 E
Epicenter: Hindu Kush Region Afghanistan #Earthquakes— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) January 11, 2024
According to Pakistan’s Meteorological Office, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was traced to the Hindu Kush mountains, situated at a depth of 213 kilometers. However, the US Geological Survey reported a slightly stronger magnitude, recording it at 6.4. The epicenter was identified as 44 kilometers southwest of Afghanistan’s Jurm.
The impact of the earthquake extended beyond Pakistan, with reports of tremors felt in neighboring countries such as India and Afghanistan. The widespread nature of the seismic event raised concerns about its potential implications.
Social media platforms were flooded with footage showing people swiftly exiting office buildings and gathering in open spaces in Islamabad. The urgency of the evacuation was palpable as citizens prioritized their safety in response to the unexpected seismic activity.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, assessing the extent of damages, and coordinating emergency response efforts. As the affected regions come to terms with the aftermath of the earthquake, the focus shifts to providing support to those in need and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
