4.9 magnitude quake rattles Punjab, no damage reported

Strong earthquake tremors were felt in Lahore and several districts of Punjab on Friday after a 4.9 magnitude quake struck the region. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 4.9 on the Richter scale with its epicentre located in India, 37 kilometres from Kyelang. The tremors were felt in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and several other cities across Punjab, triggering concern as residents rushed out of homes and gathered in open areas. A spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said no loss of life or property was reported in Punjab, adding that tremors were felt in Lahore and other districts. The spokesperson added that the epicentre was located in the Kashmir region, while the depth of the quake was recorded at 18 kilometres. Reports from across the border said strong tremors were also felt in India’s Chandigarh, Indian-occupied Kashmir, and several other cities in the region. Tremors were reported in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Noida, Ludhiana, Poonch, Srinagar, Udhampur and Dehradun, among other areas. Residents of high-rise buildings in Chandigarh’s sectors and adjoining areas of Mohali reported shaking lasting several seconds, with light fixtures swaying and household items rattling. People reportedly rushed out of buildings in panic. No casualties or structural damage were reported from Chandigarh, Mohali or Panchkula, while emergency services were placed on alert and authorities kept a close watch on the situation.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Fh9t0mG