A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck approximately 15 km east-southeast of Rawat, near Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan, on August 3, 2025, at 00:10 PST. The shallow earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers, caused tremors that were felt across parts of Punjab, including the cities of Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Jhelum, Nankana Sahib, Jalalpur Bhatian, Wazirabad, Shahkot, Bhalwal, and the Islamabad Capital Territory, as well as regions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The epicenter, located at coordinates 33.45°N, 73.31°E, lies near the Rawat Fault, a known active fault line in the seismically active Potohar Plateau, which is influenced by the tectonic interactions of the Indian-Eurasian plate boundary. The maximum shaking intensity, measured on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, reached V, indicating moderate to strong shaking near the epicenter. Fortunately, no immediate reports of casualties or property damage have been received, and authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
The Rawat region is situated in a seismically active zone characterized by frequent small to moderate magnitude earthquakes, as evidenced by historical seismic activity associated with the Rawat Fault. According to seismo tectonic analysis, the area is prone to such events due to its proximity to the Indian-Eurasian plate boundary. Seismologists anticipate minor aftershocks of up to magnitude 3.0 in the coming days, which is typical following an earthquake of this magnitude. The shallow depth of the earthquake contributed to the widespread tremors felt in nearby cities and towns, though the moderate intensity suggests limited potential for significant structural damage.
Local authorities and disaster management agencies are actively assessing the situation and urge residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks. Citizens are advised to follow standard earthquake safety protocols and promptly report any damages or injuries to local authorities.
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