Tremors Felt Across Chitral, Swat, and Upper Dir
A moderate earthquake struck parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on Wednesday evening, sending residents of Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, and nearby areas rushing out of their homes in fear. The tremors, described as light to moderate, caused widespread concern but no immediate reports of injuries or major damage.
Also Read: Army Deployed as Punjab Battles Severe Floods
Details of the Earthquake
The quake hit around 7:00 PM local time, prompting people to evacuate buildings as a precaution. Local authorities are working to confirm the quake’s magnitude and epicenter, with initial reports suggesting it originated in the seismically active Hindu Kush region, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Seismologists are analyzing data to provide a clearer picture of the event.
- Affected Areas: Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, and surrounding regions.
- Time: Approximately 7:00 PM PKT, August 27, 2025.
- Impact: No reported casualties or significant structural damage.
Recent Seismic Activity in the Region
This is the second earthquake to rattle the region this month. Earlier in August, a 5.2-magnitude quake shook Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat and Chitral. That event, centered in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a depth of 190 km, also caused no casualties or major damage. The recurring seismic activity underscores the region’s position along active fault lines, making it prone to earthquakes.
Official Response and Next Steps
Local disaster management teams are on high alert, conducting assessments to ensure no hidden damage exists. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre is expected to release a detailed report on the quake’s characteristics soon. Residents are urged to remain cautious and follow safety protocols in case of aftershocks.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to ensure public safety,” said a spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
What This Means for Residents
While no major harm was reported, the tremors serve as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events. Authorities recommend keeping emergency kits ready and knowing evacuation routes. The government is also working on public awareness campaigns to educate residents about earthquake preparedness.
