Islamabad: Atleast two women lost lives while hundreds sustained injuries when strong earthquake of 6.8 magnitude jolted several parts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Magnitude of earthquake was recorded at 6.8 on Richter scale and epicentre was at depth of 180km in Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, according to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). According to initial reports, tremors were felt in various cities including Islamabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Lahore, Rawalpindi and others.

No casualties or loss to life has been reported so far. Epicentre of earthquake was recorded 90 km away from Afghanistan. According to international seismological centre, apart from Pakistan, tremors were also felt in Turkmenistan, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. At time of earthquake, stampede was also reported in markets of Rawalpindi.

Strong tremors were felt in different cities of Punjab including Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Kot Momin, Madh Ranjha, Chakwal, Hattian Bala, Kot Addo, Shujaabad, Kallur Kot, Kala Shah Kaku, Wan Bacharan, Daska, Och Sharif, Darya Khan, DG Khan, Kot Addu and Lodhran. Citizens also felt tremors in Peshawar, Kohat, Swabi, Kirk, Para Chinar, DI Khan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Swat. People in Gilgit-Baltistan and other areas are felt tremors. According to Rescue 1122, rescue organisations and volunteers have been alerted to deal with any emergency, while no loss to life or property has been reported from any region or city of country so far.

Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared in hospitals of federal capital including Islamabad Polyclinic and PIMS Hospital on instructions of Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel.

According to report issued by Punjab's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of more than 18 districts, no loss of life or property was reported across province. However, PDMA spokesperson said cracks appeared in some high-rise buildings in Rawalpindi due to earthquake. "Rescue teams have been dispatched to evacuate affected buildings," he said, adding that orders issued to administrations across Punjab to check other high-rise buildings for any damage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed National Disaster Management Authority and other relevant institutions to stay alert to deal with any untoward situation. He prayed to Allah Almighty to keep everyone safe and protect country from any calamity and for safety and well-being of his countrymen, PM Office statement said.

Sarah Hasan, a resident of Islamabad, told Al Jazeera that the walls of her house vibrated as the earthquake rocked Islamabad. Ikhlaq Kazmi, a retired professor in the city, told AFP his entire house started shaking. "The children started shouting that there is an earthquake," he said. "We all ran out."

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 22 2023

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