Earthquake of magnitude 5.75 strikes Pakistan, GFZ says

Quake hits near Mirpur, no casualties reported: PDMA

Tremors felt across northern Punjab, KP

A strong earthquake measuring 5.75 on the Richter scale hit Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday, with the epicenter located near Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The tremor was felt across northern Punjab, including the cities of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore, as well as parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), but no casualties have been reported so far, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC).

The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) at 5:51 AM local time (0051 GMT), the GFZ said. The PDMA and NSMC have confirmed the magnitude and epicenter, and are continuing to monitor the situation.

The quake caused panic among residents, but there have been no reports of major damage to buildings or infrastructure. The PDMA has advised people to remain calm and follow the instructions of local authorities. The NSMC has also advised people to avoid spreading rumors and only rely on official information.

Earthquakes are common in Pakistan, which lies on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country has experienced several major earthquakes in the past, including the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake that killed more than 73,000 people.

Here are some tips for staying safe during an earthquake:

• Stay calm and don't panic.
• Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Stay in the car and wait for the shaking to stop.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
• After the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries. If you see any damaged buildings or downed power lines, report them to the authorities.

For more information on earthquake safety, visit the website of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP): https://www.nehrp.gov/