Earthquake in northern Pakistan kills one, damages homes Updated

At least one person has been killed and dozens of houses damaged following a moderate earthquake in northern Pakistan on January 19, officials have said.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said that the quake measured 5.8 in magnitude, with a depth of 10km, and struck northwestern Kashmir, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Ghulam Abbas, information minister for the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan said that a man died after being hit by falling rocks while on a road during the tremor. He added that numerous mud houses either collapsed or were damaged across the mountainous region.

The minister also said landslides triggered by the quake blocked several roads, prompting authorities to deploy machinery to clear debris and restore access.

Tremors were felt widely, including in the capital Islamabad, as well as in Peshawar, Swat, Mardan, and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, causing panic as residents rushed from buildings.

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A 5.8-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir.

The centre said the epicentre was located 268 km northeast of Battagram, a city with a population of about 700,000 people, Caliber.Az reports, citing the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. 

The earthquake’s hypocenter was at a depth of 31 km.

No information has been received about casualties or damage.

By Khagan Isayev