New Delhi: An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale in the early hours of Friday shook northern Pakistan, on Friday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at around 3:09 AM (2:39 AM local time) and affected several northern areas.
The NCS reported the quake’s epicenter at latitude 36.12°N and longitude 71.51°E, with a depth of 135 kilometres. This places it in a mountainous region near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, an area known for frequent seismic activity.
High risk zone
Although moderate in strength, the quake’s considerable depth suggests that surface damage is likely limited. Experts note that deeper earthquakes tend to lose energy before reaching the surface, unlike shallow quakes that cause stronger shaking. Details on casualties or structural damage are not yet available.
Pakistan is situated along one of the world’s most active seismic zones, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. This ongoing movement creates frequent earthquakes across regions like- Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northern India.
Provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are located along the plate boundary and regularly experience tremors. Sindh and Punjab, though farther from the boundary, also face occasional seismic risks.
Residents are advised to stay alert
High-risk areas include Balochistan, which lies between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, and regions like Khyber and Gilgit-Baltistan with deep fault systems under the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges.
Urban centres in these areas are more vulnerable due to dense populations, weaker infrastructure, and limited disaster preparedness, which can increase the impact of even moderate quakes.
Authorities have not yet released details of the latest tremor’s effects. Disaster management agencies are actively monitoring the situation and evaluating the need for emergency response in the affected northern regions. Residents have been advised to stay alert and follow safety protocols as a precaution.