5.3-magnitude earthquake strikes northwestern Kashmir, tremors felt across G-B

ISLAMABAD: A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck northwestern Kashmir early on Friday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported.

The tremor occurred at 09:53 PST at a shallow depth of 12 kilometres, with its epicenter located 84 kilometres northeast of Gilgit, at coordinates 36.71°N and 74.44°E.

Residents in Gilgit, Skardu, Pattan, Balakot, and surrounding areas reported feeling the quake.

At present, authorities have not reported any casualties or significant damage. The PMD continues to monitor seismic activity in the region and has advised residents to remain alert and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the northwestern Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan region, which lies in a tectonically active zone.