PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) – A significant seismic event occurred on Saturday when a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck parts of Pakistan and its neighboring country, Afghanistan. The quake prompted widespread panic among residents, who hurriedly evacuated their homes. Fortunately, officials reported no immediate signs of damage or casualties following the incident.

The epicenter of the earthquake was traced back to the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan, as confirmed by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake with a slightly higher magnitude of 6.1. Tremors were notably felt in major cities including Islamabad, as well as in the eastern province of Punjab and the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shares a border with Afghanistan. Residents in Pakistan-administered Kashmir also experienced the quake’s tremors.

In response to the earthquake, emergency services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced that district administrations had been placed on high alert to handle any potential aftermath. Anwar Shahzad, a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, stated that initial assessments indicated no injuries or significant damage from the quake, which has provided a sense of relief as the situation was evaluated.

In Afghanistan, the tremors were felt in Kabul and various other regions of the country. The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority also confirmed that the earthquake affected its territory, adding to the concerns of both nations regarding seismic activity in the region.

Pakistan is situated along a geologically active zone and has a history of experiencing earthquakes. Notably, a catastrophic magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the region in 2005, leading to tens of thousands of fatalities in Pakistan and Kashmir—a disputed region located in the Himalayas, which is claimed by both Pakistan and India. This highlights the ongoing vulnerability of both countries to seismic events.

In recent years, Afghanistan has similarly faced numerous earthquakes, which have resulted in significant loss of life. The history of seismic disturbances in both Pakistan and Afghanistan underscores the importance for authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for possible future disasters as a part of their emergency management strategies.

As the situation develops, both nations will continue to monitor the impact of this earthquake, ensuring that they remain prepared for any aftershocks or potential emergencies that may arise in the coming days.