Panic Grips Central Balochistan After Pre-Dawn Earthquake

News Desk 

Islamabad: A moderate earthquake struck central parts of Balochistan in the early hours of Sunday, sparking panic among residents, though no casualties or property damage have been reported so far.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 5.3 on the Richter scale and occurred at around 3:30 am (2230 GMT). It had a shallow depth of 10 kilometres and was centred approximately 60 kilometres north-northeast of Barkhan, in the rugged and remote terrain of the province.

Different international agencies recorded varying estimates. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the magnitude as 5.5, while the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) placed the epicentre 149 kilometres west of Multan.

Pakistan’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) noted the depth at 28 kilometres, locating the epicentre 56 kilometres northeast of Musakhel district. The tremors were felt in Barkhan, Musakhel, and adjacent areas, prompting residents to flee their homes in fear.

“There are no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage,” a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said. “We are in constant contact with local authorities and continue to monitor the situation.”

Pakistan sits atop the seismically active zone where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Balochistan, known for its mountainous landscape and sparse population, often faces significant logistical challenges in post-disaster response efforts.