LAHORE: A light earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale rattled Lahore and several other cities in Punjab on Tuesday, sparking fear among residents as tremors were felt across the region.
According to the National Seismic Centre Islamabad, the quake struck at 11:39 am Pakistan Standard Time, originating at a depth of 14 kilometers. Its epicenter was located approximately 25 kilometers south-southwest of Lahore.
The tremors were strong enough to be felt in surrounding areas, including Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Muridke, Kamoke, Nankana Sahib, and adjacent towns.
As the ground shook, people rushed out of homes, offices, schools, and commercial buildings, fearing a stronger quake might follow.
The sudden jolt disrupted daily activities in many areas, with videos surfacing on social media showing people gathering in open spaces and reciting prayers for safety.
“So far, there are no immediate reports of damages,” officials confirmed, adding that emergency services were put on alert as a precautionary measure.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also issued a statement urging citizens to remain calm but vigilant and to follow safety guidelines during aftershocks.
Seismologists noted that while the earthquake was moderate in magnitude, its shallow depth made the tremors more noticeable.
They further warned that Punjab, though not a high-risk seismic zone compared to northern Pakistan, is still vulnerable to occasional tectonic activity due to fault lines that extend from the Himalayan region.
Meanwhile, local authorities have begun preliminary inspections of public infrastructure, especially schools, hospitals, and older buildings, to ensure safety and structural integrity. No major interruptions to power or communications were reported.
This latest tremor serves as a reminder for urban centers like Lahore to strengthen disaster preparedness and raise public awareness about earthquake safety protocols.