Several cities across Punjab, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, and Faisalabad, experienced earthquake tremors on Saturday noon, prompting authorities to place emergency staff on alert.

According to a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, the earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale. Its epicentre was located northwest of Rawalpindi, with a depth of 12 kilometres beneath the earth’s surface.

Tremors were strongly felt in multiple districts, sparking concern among residents who rushed out of homes and offices in panic. However, the Director General (DG) of PDMA confirmed that no reports of casualties or damage to property had been received from any part of the province so far.

“In response to the tremors, all relevant staff have been put on high alert to manage any potential aftershocks,” the DG said.

The PDMA has urged citizens to remain cautious and report any damage or emergency situations to the authority’s helpline at 1129.

Also Read: Two strong earthquakes jolt Pakistan's several cities

Earlier today, Pakistan was struck by two strong earthquake tremors within the span of an hour, creating panic among residents across multiple cities.

The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.3 on the Richter scale, struck at 11:54am. Its epicenter was located near the Pak-Afghan-Tajikistan border, at a depth of 88 kilometers. The tremors were felt primarily in Swat and surrounding areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing brief alarm among residents.

Just 36 minutes later, at 12:30pm, a second and stronger earthquake hit, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale. This quake's epicenter was located 60 kilometers away from Rawalpindi, with a much shallower depth of just 12 kilometers.

The tremors were felt in Islamabad, Gujar Khan, Haripur, Abbottabad, Attock, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Jhang, Taxila, Wah Cantt, and surrounding areas.