Islamabad, Pakistan — January 19, 2026
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 5.8–6.0 struck northern Pakistan on Monday, killing at least one person, causing significant structural damage and triggering landslides that disrupted major roadways, authorities and seismological agencies reported.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake occurred at approximately 06:21 UTC (11:21am local time) with its epicentre located in north-western Kashmir, near the Gilgit-Baltistan region, at a depth of around 31–35 km beneath the surface.
Regional officials in Gilgit-Baltistan confirmed that the tremor damaged dozens of mud-brick homes, especially in the Hunza Valley, and triggered rockfalls and landslides that blocked key mountain roads. Emergency crews are working to clear debris and restore access to affected communities.
Local authorities also reported the death of a man who was struck by falling rocks along a rural road during the quake, highlighting the risks posed by unstable terrain in the mountainous region.
Tremors from the quake were felt across multiple districts in the northwestern provinces, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, raising alarm among residents and prompting precautionary checks of buildings and infrastructure.
Pakistan lies along a highly active seismic zone, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, making the region prone to frequent earthquakes. The country has a long history of deadly quakes, including the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake that killed tens of thousands.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert for possible aftershocks and to follow safety guidelines issued by disaster management agencies.
Originally Published By: Associated Press (AP News) and Reuters
Disclaimer: This report is based on international news agencies and official sources. Details may change, and readers should refer to official authorities for the latest updates.
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