4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Pakistan Early Saturday

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan at 1:44 a.m. on Saturday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The quake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers with coordinates 29.67° N latitude and 66.10° E longitude. This shallow depth makes it more prone to possible aftershocks, reported the NCS.

This tremor follows a previous earthquake recorded on May 5, which registered a magnitude of 4.2 and affected parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. That quake also occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, increasing concern over subsequent shocks.

According to the NCS, earthquakes of this nature, especially those occurring close to the surface, can lead to stronger ground shaking and pose higher risks for structural damage. Areas in Pakistan like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are known for their seismic activity due to their location near the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Earlier in the week, on May 5, a separate 4.2-magnitude earthquake was reported in Afghanistan. Earthquakes at shallow depths, such as 10 kilometers, typically cause more significant ground shaking than deeper ones, due to the shorter distance seismic waves must travel to reach the surface.

Pakistan’s geographic setting leads to a high incidence of seismic events, particularly in regions along major fault lines. Keeping informed about this activity is vital for residents in these quake-prone areas.