Earthquake Activity in Islamabad, Pakistan: An Overview

Islamabad, Pakistan
DateMagnitudeDepth (km)Region
2024-06-072.71727 km Southeast of Chitral
2024-06-074.747Eastern New Guinea Reg., P.N.G.
2024-06-075.278New Britain Region
2024-06-063.4120Tajikistan
2024-06-065.3533Flores Sea
2024-06-065.128Near Coast of Northern Chile
Earthquake in Islamabad, Pakistan
Earthquake in Islamabad, Pakistan

Introduction

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is located in a seismically active region, making it prone to earthquakes. The city has experienced numerous earthquakes over the years, some of which have caused significant damage and loss of life. In this article, we will provide an overview of the latest earthquake activity in Islamabad and its surrounding areas.

Earthquake Activity in Islamabad

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad, the city has experienced several earthquakes in recent days. Here are some of the notable earthquakes that have occurred in or near Islamabad since 2023:

  • 2023-02-06: A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 27 km (17 mi) away from Islamabad, Pakistan, in the late afternoon. The quake had a moderate depth of 107 km (67 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so) in the city.
  • 2023-12-22: A magnitude 3.8 earthquake hit 14 km (8.9 mi) away from Pakistan, with 89 reports of feeling the quake.
  • 2023-12-20: A magnitude 2.6 earthquake occurred 9.4 km (5.9 mi) away from Kahuta, Pakistan, with 9 reports of feeling the quake.
  • 2023-11-08: A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck 4.2 km (2.2 mi) away from Hangu, Pakistan, with a depth of 63 km.
  • 2023-08-05: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit 41.2 km (26.2 mi) away from Mingora, Pakistan, with a depth of 43 km.

Earthquake Statistics

Based on data from the past 54 years and the earthquake archive back to 1900, there are about 6 quakes on average per year in or near Islamabad, Pakistan. The city has had at least 2 quakes above magnitude 7 since 1900, which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently, probably on average approximately every 60 to 65 years.

Islamabad, Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan

Conclusion

Earthquakes are a significant hazard in Islamabad, and the city’s location in a seismically active region makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. While the earthquakes that have occurred in or near Islamabad in recent years have not caused significant damage or loss of life, they serve as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of this natural hazard.

Sources

  • Earthquake Track – Today’s Earthquakes in Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Volcano Discovery – Islamabad City, Pakistan, Earthquakes: Latest Quakes
  • Volcano Discovery – Islamabad, Pakistan, Earthquakes: Latest Quakes
  • National Seismic Monitoring Centre, Islamabad – Events