A 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook northern regions of Pakistan on Saturday afternoon, sending mild tremors through various cities but causing no reported damage or injuries. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the quake occurred at 12:31 PM with a depth of 12 kilometers.
The epicenter was identified roughly 60 kilometers northwest of Rawalpindi, a major city in Punjab province. The tremors were felt across multiple districts including Attock, Chakwal, and Mianwali in Punjab, as well as Peshawar, Mardan, Mohmand, and Shabqadar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Residents in affected areas briefly panicked as the tremors struck, with many rushing out of buildings to open spaces as a precaution. However, the situation returned to normal within minutes after officials confirmed the quake was not strong enough to cause significant structural damage.
So far, authorities have not received any reports of casualties or property loss. Emergency services remain on alert, but the earthquake appears to have passed without incident.
Pakistan sits on several active fault lines, making it prone to earthquakes. While most are minor, the country has faced devastating quakes in the past — most notably the 2005 disaster which claimed over 74,000 lives and left millions homeless.
Experts continue to urge the public to stay informed and prepared, especially in earthquake-prone regions. Preparedness drills, structural safety measures, and timely alerts play a crucial role in minimizing damage and saving lives during such natural events.
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As of now, there is no threat of aftershocks, but authorities advise remaining cautious and following safety protocols in case of further seismic activity.