Peshawar, October 16, 2024: A powerful earthquake struck the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region in the early hours of Tuesday, causing widespread panic and shaking buildings across several cities. According to initial reports, the earthquake measured a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale and had its epicenter in the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan, roughly 200 kilometers from Peshawar.
Residents of Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mardan, and several other towns in the region reported feeling strong tremors that lasted for about 30 seconds. Many people rushed out of their homes and offices in fear of aftershocks. Emergency services are on high alert, though there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Local authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious, advising them to stay outdoors until the aftershocks subside. Rescue teams have been deployed to assess any structural damages in affected areas.
The National Seismic Monitoring Center confirmed that the earthquake occurred at around 5:45 AM local time. The tremors were also felt in parts of northern Pakistan, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
This earthquake comes after a series of tremors that have been reported throughout the region over the past several weeks, raising concerns over seismic activity in the area.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and an emergency response plan is in place should the situation escalate.
