A 4.0 intensity earthquake hit Pakistan early on Saturday, May 10, as per the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The earthquake took place at 1:44 am IST, with the epicentre at a latitude of 29.67°N and longitude of 66.10°E. The depth of the earthquake was measured at 10 kilometres below the earth’s surface.
Series of Tremors of Earthquake in Recent Weeks
This marks the fourth earthquake to hit Pakistan in recent weeks. It has raised growing concerns about ongoing seismic activity in the region. Just five days earlier, on May 5, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the Chitral District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The earthquake was experienced in the surrounding areas, especially near the Afghanistan border.
Afghan Border Seismic Activity Also on the Rise
Interestingly, on the same day, at 12:35 pm IST, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake also hit Afghanistan, highlighting the increased seismic activity in the broader region. Earlier, on April 30, a 4.4-magnitude quake hit some areas of Pakistan at 9:58 pm. Its epicentre was located at 31.08°N and 68.84°E, with a depth of 50 kilometres.
The strongest in the recent series struck on April 12. A strong 5.8-magnitude earthquake was felt at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometres, sending tremors of fear and threats of possible aftershocks throughout northern Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Seismic Hazard and Tectonic Setting
Pakistan lies on an intricate and seismically active region as a result of the interaction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The plate movement and collision in the region leave it exposed to intense and regular earthquakes.
Seismologists have identified several active fault lines across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These tectonic forces contribute to Pakistan being one of the most seismically active countries in the world. As a result, seismic activity remains a constant threat, with little relief in sight.
