Earthquake of magnitude 5.8 hits Pakistan

Islamabad

An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale struck Pakistan on Saturday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake occurred at 1:00 p.m. IST at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which increases the risk of aftershocks and damage.

Shallow earthquakes cause stronger ground shaking because the seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface. As a result, they can lead to more severe structural damage and higher casualties.

Pakistan lies in a region with significant seismic activity due to the collision of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and areas of Punjab and Sindh are especially vulnerable to such events.

No immediate reports of injuries or destruction have been received. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Earlier today, Tajikistan experienced a 4.2 magnitude earthquake, and a similar quake hit Afghanistan on April 5. Both quakes occurred at deeper depths and caused minimal disruption.

The recent earthquakes serve as a reminder of the region’s geological instability and the importance of preparedness in seismically active zones. Emergency teams are on alert, and more information is expected as assessments continue.