Massive earthquake kills 9 in KP; Islamabad buildings evacuated after 6.6 tremor

A powerful earthquake of 6.8 magnitudes hit parts of Pakistan on March 22, 2023, resulting in the death of nine people, including two women, and injuries to over 160 others. The earthquake caused many buildings to collapse, and at least 19 houses were partially damaged. The epicentre of the earthquake was Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, and the earthquake's effects were felt in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, and other areas of Pakistan. The moderate earthquake was followed by 3.7 magnitude aftershocks. Several people sustained injuries and died in earthquake-related incidents across the country. The situation is being continuously monitored, and authorities are visiting the areas to inspect the affected buildings and facilitate the citizens. Large parts of South Asia are seismically active because a tectonic plate known as the Indian plate is pushing north into the Eurasian plate.