GILGIT-BALTISTAN / RankWire.AI / – On Thursday morning, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck northeastern Pakistan, producing intense tremors across parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. According to Pakistan’s official seismic records, the event measured a magnitude of 5.3. The quake occurred at 5:35 a.m. local time on August 13, with its epicenter approximately 27 kilometers northwest of Sost, in the Khunjerab region. The Pakistan Meteorological Department estimated the earthquake’s depth at 15 kilometers. Residents throughout several northern communities reported feeling the ground shake during those early hours.
The seismic activity impacted districts of Hunza and Nagar, with Chipurson Valley in Upper Hunza experiencing some of the most pronounced effects on the ground. Local residents evacuated their homes as the tremors traversed communities nestled along steep mountain slopes. Following the quake, landslides and falling rocks became evident in various parts of the valley. In one area, a rockfall blocked the Chipurson Valley road near Ramanji, disrupting access to local settlements. This route is crucial for connecting remote villages within a mountainous landscape where road infrastructure is vital for transportation and communication.
Initial assessments by authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries caused by the main earthquake. No confirmed structural damage was reported at that stage, although rockfalls and landslides were the primary documented impacts on infrastructure. The Gilgit-Baltistan administration promptly monitored the affected areas and road conditions, especially where debris had obstructed mountain routes. Officials also inspected access points to villages impacted by fallen debris. This seismic event marked another significant tremor in an area of northern Pakistan that has experienced multiple aftershocks during 2026.
Rockfalls and Landslides Disrupt Roadways in Upper Hunza
The earthquake’s epicenter was situated near Sost, a key town along the Karakoram Highway corridor in northern Pakistan. Sost is located south of the Khunjerab Pass and functions as a gateway for communities across Upper Hunza. The Khunjerab route connects Pakistan with China’s Xinjiang region through a high-altitude border crossing. The rugged mountain terrain surrounding the district makes road access particularly vulnerable to rockfalls and slope failures. The tremors experienced on Thursday caused noticeable shaking across this remote region, with effects most strongly felt in communities closest to the epicenter.
Later on Thursday morning, a second earthquake struck the same general area. Official seismic data indicates that this aftershock occurred at 9:24 a.m. local time, registering a magnitude of 4.7 with a depth of 19 kilometers. Its epicenter was approximately 28 kilometers west-northwest of Sost, situated near the earlier tremor. Both earthquakes took place within roughly four hours, extending the period of seismic activity affecting Upper Hunza and nearby districts.
Repeated Seismic Events Mark Northern Pakistan’s Seismic Zone
Earlier this year, northern Pakistan experienced a stronger earthquake, measuring magnitude 5.8, which struck the region on January 19. This quake impacted Hunza, Ghizer, and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The event resulted in landslides, damage to homes, and road blockages in several mountain communities. One person lost their life, and multiple others sustained injuries. Chipurson Valley also suffered damage to local infrastructure and residences. Post-earthquake road closures hampered access to isolated settlements, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
The northern mountain belt of Pakistan is part of a highly active seismic zone driven by major tectonic plate movements. Earthquakes frequently affect regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and neighboring areas of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. The earthquake on August 13 once again centered near Sost, delivering strong shaking to communities in Upper Hunza. Although landslides and rockfalls temporarily disrupted road access, authorities confirmed there were no casualties from the main event. Records also indicate that a second significant earthquake occurred nearby later that morning, adding to the ongoing seismic activity in this tectonically active region.