Death toll of 9 reported as a powerful 6.8 earthquake strikes KP, prompts evacuation of buildings in Islamabad

Death toll of 9 reported as a powerful 6.8 earthquake strikes KP, prompts evacuation of buildings in Islamabad

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck parts of Pakistan on March 21, 2023, resulting in nine deaths and over 160 injuries. Among the fatalities, two women and two children were included. The quake caused many buildings to collapse, with 19 houses partially damaged across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Kohat, and Lakki Marwat were some of the areas where tremors were felt. After the earthquake, the Islamabad police evacuated several high-rise buildings following the appearance of cracks in walls. No casualties have been reported in the capital, and authorities concerned in all affected cities are inspecting the affected buildings and facilitating the citizens. The quake's epicentre was Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, with a depth of 180 kilometres. The earthquake was followed by 3.7 magnitude aftershocks, and its effects were felt in parts of India and Afghanistan as well.