Islamabad( Pakistan), August 20(HS): In the early hours of Wednesday(August 20), a moderate earthquake measuring magnitude 3.7 jolted Pakistan, with tremors felt across several major cities and regions. According to the Seismic Network of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the earthquake's epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at a depth of approximately 190 kilometers.

The seismic activity was notably felt in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, and Abbottabad. Additionally, Punjab's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that the tremors extended into multiple divisions of the province including Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha.

Despite the widespread reach of the earthquake’s effects, no casualties or significant damage have been reported so far by authorities or local officials. The quake followed closely after a stronger seismic event that occurred yesterday, when a magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing concern among residents and emergency response teams.

Seismologists continue to monitor the region closely, given its location along tectonic fault lines known for frequent seismic activities. Authorities urge citizens to stay alert and prepared for possible aftershocks and to report any damages or emergencies to local disaster management offices.

The government’s disaster management agencies remain on high alert to respond promptly to any eventualities stemming from these earthquakes. Residents in affected areas are being advised to follow safety protocols, including moving to open spaces if tremors are felt and avoiding standing near unstable structures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar