On Wednesday afternoon, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan, sending tremors across northern India. The seismic event, recorded by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), occurred at 12:58 PM Indian Standard Time and had a depth of 33 km. The epicentre was identified near Dera Ghazi Khan in the southwestern region of Punjab, Pakistan.
The impact of the earthquake was notably felt across the Delhi-NCR region, as well as in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the widespread tremors, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage in these areas. In Pakistan, the earthquake affected a broad swath of the country, including major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Mianwali. Other impacted areas included Bhakkar, Kamalia, Khanewal, Bhalwal, Chiniot, Hafizabad, Toba Tek Singh, Gujarat, Sargodha, and Jhang. The tremors were felt across these cities, although no immediate reports of damage or injuries have been confirmed.
The seismic activity highlights the geographical vulnerability of the region, given its location within the complex tectonic setting of South Asia. Earthquakes of this magnitude can have substantial implications for infrastructure and safety, making it crucial for authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks. This event underscores the importance of robust earthquake preparedness and response strategies in both Pakistan and northern India. While the current situation appears under control with no casualties reported, continued monitoring and assessment will be essential to manage any ongoing risks and to ensure public safety.
