A significant seismic event measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck northwestern Pakistan on Monday, January 19, 2026, resulting in casualties and substantial damage to infrastructure. According to official reports from regional authorities and the European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC), the earthquake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 35 kilometers (approximately 21.75 miles).
The tremor triggered substantial geological disturbances in the mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan province, where multiple mud-brick residences either collapsed or sustained severe structural damage. Regional Information Minister Ghulam Abbas confirmed that falling mountain rocks struck several access roads and a major highway, significantly impeding transportation networks.
Tragically, one fatality was confirmed when a man was struck by falling debris on a roadway. Minister Abbas indicated that government agencies had mobilized heavy machinery to clear blocked transportation routes and assess the full extent of the damage. The remote, mountainous geography of the affected region presents particular challenges for emergency response and recovery operations.
The seismic activity occurred in a region historically susceptible to earthquakes due to its proximity to the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. The timing of the event—during winter months—raises additional concerns about displaced residents and the potential for secondary hazards, including landslides and aftershocks.