5.5-Magnitude Earthquake from Hindu Kush Jolts Islamabad, Peshawar and KP Regions

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on Saturday, sending tremors across several parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad, Peshawar, and different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC).

The shaking was also reported in Swat, Hangu, North Waziristan, and Chitral, while residents of Rawalpindi also felt the seismic activity.

The NSMC confirmed that the earthquake measured 5.5 in magnitude and originated at a depth of 199 kilometres, with its epicentre located in the Koh Hindu Kush region. Officials stated that there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage.

Pakistan lies in a highly active seismic zone due to its position along the collision boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it vulnerable to frequent earthquakes.

Earlier this month, a stronger 6.1-magnitude earthquake had also impacted Islamabad, Punjab, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with tremors felt across multiple major cities.

The PMD had reported at the time that the epicentre was again in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, at a depth of 190 kilometres.

Historical seismic activity continues to highlight the region’s vulnerability. In February, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake affected Islamabad, Swat, and Hunza. The devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake caused over 73,000 deaths, while a 2021 quake in Balochistan’s Harnai region killed at least 20 people and disrupted rescue operations due to landslides.

Experts continue to warn that Pakistan’s mountainous and rugged terrain makes disaster response difficult, stressing the importance of improved earthquake preparedness and emergency planning.