Earthquake tremors were felt in Swat and nearby areas on Wednesday (today).
According to the seismic monitoring centre, the earthquake had a magnitude of 4.2 on the Richter scale. The tremor originated at a depth of 172 kilometres below the surface.
The epicentre of the earthquake was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range.
Residents in Swat and surrounding areas felt the jolts. The tremors caused fear among some people.
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.
Wednesday’s earthquake was relatively deep at 172 kilometres. Deep earthquakes can transmit seismic waves over considerable distances.
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.