Residents in Swat and surrounding districts experienced a sudden jolt this morning as a 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck the region. Authorities quickly confirmed the event, and thankfully, no immediate reports of damage or injuries have surfaced so far.

The quake hit at approximately 10:45 AM local time, according to preliminary data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Furthermore, its epicenter lay in the seismically active Hindu Kush mountain range, about 120 kilometers deep beneath the surface.

This location, which spans parts of Afghanistan and northern Pakistan, often triggers such tremors due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. As a result, shaking rippled through Swat Valley and extended to nearby areas like Mingora, Malam Jabba, and parts of the Shangla and Dir districts.

Just weeks ago, on September 2, a 5.4 magnitude quake rattled Islamabad, Peshawar, and Swat itself, stemming from the same volatile zone. Before that, the devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake near Afghanistan’s Kunar province on August 31 claimed over 2,000 lives and triggered multiple aftershocks felt across the border. Consequently, experts warn that Pakistan’s northern regions remain vulnerable.

As the day progresses, PMD continues to track for aftershocks, but the situation appears stable.