Pakistan: Magnitude-4.9 earthquake occurs in northern Pakistan late June 17

Event

A magnitude-4.9 earthquake occurred in northern Pakistan at 19:19 June 17. The epicenter was about 105 km (56 miles) north of Islamabad. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout nearby areas of Pakistan, northern India, and northeast Afghanistan. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and however, some damage may have occurred in mountainous areas near the epicenter. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.