Earthquake Hits Pakistan Again: Tremors Felt Across Multiple Provinces, No Loss of Life Reported

International News: In the early hours of Sunday, an earthquake struck several parts of Pakistan, once again reminding the country of its position in a highly seismic region. The National Seismological Centre reported that the earthquake measured 4.8 on the Richter scale and struck at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers. The tremor was felt in parts of northern Pakistan, though no casualties or major damage have been reported so far.

This incident came just a day after another, slightly stronger, earthquake of magnitude 5.4 shook regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad. People were seen rushing out of their homes in panic during both events, especially in cities where buildings swayed during the tremors.

Pakistan's Vulnerable Seismic Geography

Pakistan is known to be one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. It is located near the junction of several active tectonic plates, primarily the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian plates. These tectonic interactions give rise to many faults and fracture zones, making parts of the country especially sensitive to earthquakes.

Regions such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are especially vulnerable to earthquakes. These regions are located close to major fault lines like the Main Central Thrust, which increases the chances of regular seismic activity. Punjab is also earthquake-sensitive due to its location on the northwestern edge of the Indian Plate. Although Sindh is considered less sensitive, it still remains exposed to risk due to nearby geological faults.

Shallow Earthquakes Are More Dangerous

Sunday’s earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers, which is considered potentially more dangerous than deeper quakes. Shallow earthquakes cause more shaking at the surface because seismic waves don’t lose much energy while traveling through the Earth. This can lead to significant damage if the quake hits near populated areas or weak structures.

Experts warn that while the recent earthquakes caused no destruction, shallow tremors always carry a higher risk of property damage and injuries. Fortunately, in this case, no reports of collapsed buildings or fatalities have been confirmed.

Public Reactions and Safety Advice

The repeated tremors over the weekend have left many citizens worried. In cities like Islamabad and Peshawar, people left their buildings in fear during the quakes. Videos circulating online show families standing outside in the middle of the night, waiting for aftershocks to pass. Emergency departments have been alerted, and local authorities are monitoring the situation.

Seismologists advise people in earthquake-prone areas to stay prepared. This includes having an emergency kit at home, knowing safe spots like doorframes or under tables during a quake, and keeping emergency contact numbers ready.

Global Quake Activity Also on the Rise

Interestingly, Pakistan’s recent earthquakes follow a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. That event triggered massive tsunami waves that reached Japan and the U.S. Pacific coast. In Japan, nearly 2 million people were evacuated from coastal areas as a precaution.

These global events highlight the need for better awareness and preparedness for natural disasters, especially in high-risk countries like Pakistan.