A 5.9-magnitude earthquake shook parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported. The tremor matters because it highlights the region’s seismic vulnerability and affects local communities. Areas including Shangla, Swat, Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera experienced shaking, though no casualties were reported.
The earthquake struck at 6:09 pm at a depth of 101 kilometres. Its epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. Residents in Shangla felt tremors during Iftar, prompting them to rush outdoors in fear.
Read more: 5.8-magnitude earthquake shakes parts of Pakistan
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the country sits at the junction of three major tectonic plates: Arabian, Euro-Asian, and Indian. This intersection forms five seismic zones, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. Geologists warn that tectonic movements along fault lines in the region remain unpredictable and potentially destructive.
Earlier this week, a 5.6-magnitude quake was recorded 86 kilometres northeast of Khuzdar in Balochistan. Last month, two separate earthquakes of magnitude 5.8 struck Gilgit-Baltistan, Peshawar, and adjacent areas of KP. Tremors from these quakes were also felt in Islamabad and surrounding districts.
Read more: 4.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Lahore, parts of Punjab
Local authorities confirmed no damage or injuries from Friday’s tremor in Shangla and surrounding areas. Emergency response teams remain on alert in case of aftershocks. Residents are advised to follow safety measures and remain vigilant, especially near unstable structures.
Seismologists say the recent series of quakes underscores Pakistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes. They urge long-term preparedness, early warning systems, and adherence to building codes to minimize future risks. Communities in high-risk zones are being advised to strengthen disaster readiness.