DELHI: Pakistan experienced two earthquakes in quick succession on Saturday, causing widespread tremors across multiple regions but resulting in no immediate casualties or damage.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.3 on the Richter scale, occurred at 11:54 am. According to seismic reports, its epicentre was located 88 kilometres beneath the earth’s surface near the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. Pakistan Earthquake’s tremors were felt particularly in Swat and the surrounding areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Just 36 minutes later, at 12:30 pm, a second, stronger earthquake hit the region. This time, the tremor registered a magnitude of 5.5. Its epicentre was identified at a depth of 12 kilometres, approximately 60 kilometres from Rawalpindi. The quake was felt across Islamabad, Gujar Khan, Haripur, Abbottabad, Attock, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Jhang, Taxila, and Wah Cantonment, among other neighbouring locations.
The twin quakes triggered panic, with residents rushing out of their homes in fear. However, officials confirmed that there were no reports of casualties or property damage. Emergency response teams were placed on alert, and authorities stated that they were monitoring the situation in the affected areas.
In a separate incident, Papua New Guinea also experienced an earthquake on Saturday. The tremor, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, struck 115 kilometres from the town of Kokopo, according to the United States Geological Survey. No loss of life was reported. While earthquakes are common in Papua New Guinea, officials remained vigilant due to the risk of landslides following such natural events.
