In the early hours of Wednesday, Pakistan experienced a significant seismic event, registering a magnitude of 5.5 as reported by the National Centre for Seismology. The earthquake occurred precisely at 2:57 am (IST) and had a depth of 105 km.
Sharing the details via the social media platform X, the National Centre of Seismology stated, “Earthquake of Magnitude:5.5, Occurred on 20-03-2024, 02:57:11 IST, Lat: 29.74 & Long: 65.93, Depth: 105 Km, Location: Pakistan.”
While information regarding the impact and aftermath of the earthquake is still awaited, this recent seismic activity joins a series of similar occurrences that have shaken Pakistan in recent months. Merely last month, the region experienced a magnitude 4.7 earthquake, while in January, earthquakes measuring 4.3 and 6.0 on the Richter scale rattled various parts of the country.
Reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) highlighted that the January 6.0 magnitude earthquake was felt in key urban centers such as Islamabad, Lahore, surrounding areas, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These recurring seismic events serve as a poignant reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region and emphasize the critical need for preparedness and resilience measures. As Pakistan navigates these challenges, it becomes increasingly essential for professional response strategies to be employed to mitigate the impact and ensure the safety and well-being of its populace.