Balochistan Quake Jolts Zhob, Chaman

News Desk

Quetta: A 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook parts of Balochistan on Wednesday, with tremors reported in Zhob and Chaman, renewing concerns in a region that has experienced several damaging earthquakes in recent years.

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), operating under the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 15 kilometres. Its epicentre was located around 122 kilometres northeast of Zhob.

No casualties or property damage were reported immediately after the latest tremor.

The earthquake has once again highlighted the seismic vulnerability of Balochistan, where several districts have experienced strong tremors in the past.

Zhob and Chaman were among the areas affected by a devastating 5.9-magnitude earthquake in October 2021. The quake, centred near Harnai at a depth of 15 kilometres, struck around 3:20am while residents were asleep.

At least 20 people were killed and more than 300 injured in that disaster, with Harnai suffering the heaviest losses. Several buildings collapsed and more than 70 houses were reported damaged. Rescue teams and military personnel were deployed as aftershocks continued for days.

Chaman was also shaken by another earthquake in March 2024. The 5.4-magnitude tremor struck at around 5:35am at a depth of 35 kilometres, with its epicentre approximately 150 kilometres southwest of Quetta.

Tremors from that earthquake were reported in Qila Abdullah, Noshki, Pishin, Dalbandin, Chagai and Quetta.

While Wednesday’s earthquake caused no immediate reported damage, authorities continue to monitor the situation, particularly given the region’s history of strong seismic activity.