PESHAWAR: Light tremors from a 5.0 magnitude earthquake jolted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, causing panic but no reported damage.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad, the quake struck with its epicentre in southeastern Afghanistan. It occurred at a shallow depth of 20 kilometres, increasing the likelihood of tremors being felt on the surface.
Residents in Landikotal, Batkhela, and areas in Khyber and Malakand districts felt the tremors and rushed out of their homes and shops in fear. Many gathered in open spaces until the ground settled.
Despite the widespread fear, authorities confirmed that no casualties or property damage had been reported immediately following the quake. Emergency response teams remain on alert as a precaution.
Such mild tremors are not uncommon in the region, which lies near the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Experts continue to monitor seismic activity in the area.