An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale was felt countrywide late on Friday night, particularly within the Northern areas of the country.
The quake occurred at approximately 10:02 pm on Friday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said. The epicentre of the quake was reported to be Tajikistan. Specifically, it originated at 38.08N, 73.31E; 256km southwest of Kashgar, China and 35km west-southwest of Murghob, Tajikistan. It was reported to have a depth of 80km.
Citizens from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Swat, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Dera Ghazi (DG) Khan and other localities all reported feeling the tremors, with aftershocks lasting for minutes after the initial quake.
A large number of people left their homes for safety. No loss of life and property was reported due to the earthquake so far.
Many people took to Twitter and began sharing verses from the Holy Quran in fear, praying to be kept safe.
Earthquake in Pakistan May ALLAH protect everyone #EarthQuake pic.twitter.com/sY3P1UCMYM
— Saqib Hussain (@SaqibHussain161) February 12, 2021
Meanwhile, reports emerged that the earthquake also occurred within India. According to the Indian news agency, ANI, the earthquake was felt in parts of Dehli, occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Noida.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Twitter said: “Mighty earthquake. Hope and pray everyone is safe. May Allah protect us all. Ameen.”
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that he had not felt tremours this bad since the 2005 earthquake, adding that he only had time to grab a blanket and run from his house.
Not since the earthquake of 2005 have the tremors in Srinagar been bad enough to force me out of the house. I grabbed a blanket & ran. I didn’t remember to take my phone & so was unable to tweet “earthquake” while the damn ground was shaking.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 12, 2021
Similarly, Pakistani actor Fakhar-e-Alam cautioned: “Please keep in mind there will be aftershocks. Prayers and precautions. May the Almighty have mercy. Ameen.”
