Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake Jolts Khuzdar, Surrounding Areas

News Desk
KHUZDAR: A moderate earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck Khuzdar and its adjoining areas on Thursday, sending panicked residents rushing out of their homes into open spaces.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the tremor originated at a relatively shallow depth, which amplified the shaking felt across the district. Initial reports confirmed that the epicenter was located in the rugged terrain surrounding the region, though exact depth and coordinate measurements continue to be evaluated by seismologists.
Local administration and rescue services immediately initiated damage assessments across urban and rural pockets of Khuzdar. Emergency response units were placed on high alert to tackle any untoward situation, while hospitals geared up to receive potential casualties.
Control rooms established by the provincial disaster management authorities reported no immediate loss of life or large-scale structural damages, although intermittent communication hurdles with remote mountainous fringes initially delayed comprehensive updates.
Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location overlapping the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological positioning frequently triggers low- to moderate-intensity tremors, serving as a stark reminder of the nation’s persistent earthquake risks.
The recurring seismic events underscore the urgent need for robust urban planning, rigorous implementation of building codes, and community-level disaster preparedness campaigns to mitigate potential devastation in densely populated zones.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant while disaster management teams monitor aftershocks.
Meteorological officials will continue tracking seismic movements in the region, with further advisories expected as the seismological data is fully analyzed and shared with relevant federal and provincial departments.