5.8-magnitude earthquake strikes Pakistan, tremors felt across Delhi-NCR and northern India

 PTC News Desk: A powerful earthquake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, sent tremors across Pakistan, northern India, and parts of Afghanistan on Wednesday afternoon, causing widespread alarm. According to initial reports, the earthquake was felt in several major cities, with netizens in Pakistan reporting tremors in Peshawar, Islamabad, and Lahore. In India, the tremors were experienced across New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) confirmed that the earthquake originated in Pakistan, with its epicenter located at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles). The quake struck at approximately 12:58 PM IST (Indian Standard Time), according to the National Center for Seismology.

Residents in affected areas took to social media to share their experiences, describing the tremors as strong and prolonged. While there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Emergency response teams have been placed on high alert in both Pakistan and India, as officials assess the extent of the impact.

This earthquake comes as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability, particularly along the Indo-Afghan tectonic plate. Northern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have a history of experiencing moderate to strong earthquakes due to the region's geophysical activity.

As the situation continues to unfold, further details regarding the epicenter's exact location, potential aftershocks, and the impact on the affected regions are awaited. Emergency protocols have been activated, and local authorities in both countries are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

This is a developing story, and more updates will be provided as new information becomes available.