ISLAMABAD: A 5.8 magnitude earthquake jolted several cities in the northern parts of the country on Saturday evening.

Tremors were felt across the country’s northern region, including the federal capital, Rawalpindi, Abbot­tabad, Bajaur tribal district, Mansehra, Chitral, Pesha­war, Bannu, Swat, Nows­hera, Buner, Swabi, D.I. Khan, Lahore, Faisa­labad, Jhang, Chiniot, AJK, Mian­wali, D.G. Khan, Upper and Lower Dir, Sargodha, Okara and Kasur.

Assistant Metrologist at the National Seismic Moni­toring Centre (NSMC) Islamabad Zahid Abbas while talking to Dawn said the epicentre of the earthquake was Hindu Kush mountain in Afgha­nistan where its magnitude was recorded at 5.8. “The depth of the epicentre was 208 kilometres and the duration of jolts was for between five to seven seconds,” he said.

Another official of the NSMC said that earthqua­kes from 0 to 4.9 magnitude are considered mild, from 5 to 5.9 are considered moderate, and earthquake of 6 and above magnitude is considered severe. He said the tremors felt in the country were moderate but close to the severe category.

According to the Associa­ted Press of Pakistan, earthquakes tremors were also felt in some parts of Karachi. According to the Met office, it was a 2.9 magnitude quake while its epicentre was 15km in the north of Karachi.

The tremors were felt in Landhi, Korangi and surrounding areas.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2019