Pakistan: A magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurs in Gilgit-Baltistan at around 21:05 Feb. 19

A magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurred in Gilgit-Baltistan Administrative Territory at around 21:05 PKT on Feb. 19. The epicenter was about 68 km (42 miles) southeast of Gilgit. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 45 km (28 miles), and moderate-to-light shaking was probably felt in areas close to the epicenter and light shaking throughout parts of northeastern Pakistan, far northern India, far western China, far northeastern Afghanistan, and far southeastern Tajikistan. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake;. Significant damage is unlikely; however, some minor damage is possible 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.