Earthquake tremors were felt across northern and northwestern parts of Pakistan.
Tremors of magnitude 4.9 were felt in Swat, Buner, Chitral, Azad Kashmir and other areas, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake’s epicentre was located in the border region of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
No casualties or damage were immediately reported. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 220 kilometres.
Why earthquakes are common in the region?
The Hindu Kush region is one of the most seismically active areas near Pakistan. Earthquakes originating there are often felt across northern parts of the country.
The region is affected by the movement and collision of major tectonic plates. Earthquakes that occur deep underground can sometimes be felt across a wide area, even when their magnitude is moderate.
Swat and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have experienced several earthquakes linked to the Hindu Kush region.
Earthquake tremors felt in Peshawar, surrounding areas
Previously, a stronger 4.9 magnitude earthquake was reported in the region. Its depth was recorded at 193 kilometres, with its epicentre also located in the Hindu Kush mountain range. Tremors from that earthquake were felt in Swat, Peshawar, Buner, Shangla, Mohmand, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other areas.
The tremors were felt in Mohmand district and other surrounding areas as well.