On Tuesday night, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 hit several parts of Pakistan, leaving at least 9 people dead and over 150 injured. The tremors were felt across the country, including in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, and other cities.
Casualties and Damage
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority KP reported that those killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa included five adults, two women, and children. The authority further stated that at least 19 houses across the province were partially damaged due to the earthquake tremors.
Earthquake
The Pakistan Meteorological Service reported that the earthquake’s epicentre was in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, with a depth of 180 kilometres. Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey revealed that the quake rocked Afghanistan and parts of India, including the capital New Delhi. The epicentre of the earthquake was 40 kilometres south-southeast of the Afghan town of Jurm.
Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the National Disaster Management Authority and other institutions to be ready to deal with any emergency. Emergency services and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the affected areas.
The tremors caused panic among residents, and many people rushed out of their homes in fear. The authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious and take necessary safety measures.
The earthquake has caused significant damage to infrastructure and claimed several lives. The government is taking measures to provide relief to the affected people and to rebuild the damaged infrastructure. The citizens are urged to follow safety guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent further damage. (ANI)