Severe earthquake tremors have been felt across various regions in Pakistan.
The tremors were particularly strong in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to panic as people rushed out of buildings for safety.
Reports indicate that the tremors were experienced in key cities and towns, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad. In Punjab, the earthquake affected numerous districts such as Gujranwala, Jhang, Chiniot, Pindi Bhattian, and Sangla Hill. Other areas like Mandi Bahauddin, Dijkot, and Pirmahal also felt the quake's impact.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the tremors were reported in regions such as Malakand, Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, and Kurram.
The magnitude of the earthquake was recorded at 5.7 on the Richter scale, according to the Pakistan Seismological Center. The depth of the earthquake was 10km, while its epicenter was recorded at Shadiwala near Dera Ghazi Khan.
Although the tremors were widespread, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority director general said the administration across Punjab was busy checking buildings. Machinery and staff had been put on alert to deal with the aftershocks of the earthquake, he added.
He further said the District Emergency Operation Centers across Punjab, including the PDMA's Provincial Control Room, were on 24/7 alert. "Any damage from the earthquake can be reported on the PDMA's helpline 1129," he said.
