Strong earthquake tremors were felt in Lahore and several districts of Punjab on Friday after a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck the region.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 4.9 on the Richter scale with its epicenter located in India, 37 kilometers from Kyelang.
The tremors were felt in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and several other cities across Punjab, sparking concern as residents rushed out of their homes and gathered in open areas.
A Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) spokesman said no loss of life or property was reported in Punjab, adding that tremors were felt in Lahore and other districts.
The spokesman added that the epicenter was located in the Kashmir region, while the depth of the quake was recorded at 18 kilometers.
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 others.
Residents of high-rise buildings in Chandigarh sectors and adjoining areas of Mohali reported tremors lasting several seconds, with light fixtures swaying and household items rattling. People rushed out of buildings in panic.
No casualties or structural damage were reported from Chandigarh, Mohali or Panchkula, while emergency services were put on high alert and authorities closely monitored the situation.
