A moderate earthquake rattled several parts of Balochistan early Sunday morning, causing panic among residents, though no reports of casualties or property damage have emerged.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the tremor at a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale, noting it struck around 3:30 AM (2230 GMT) with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located approximately 60 kilometers north-northeast of Barkhan in the rugged terrain of Balochistan province.
Meanwhile, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) estimated the magnitude at 5.5, while the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre placed the epicenter 149 kilometers west of Multan.
Pakistan’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported the quake at a depth of 28 kilometers, with its epicenter situated 56 kilometers northeast of Musakhel district. Tremors were felt in Barkhan, Musakhel, and surrounding areas, prompting people to rush outdoors in fear.
“There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries,” stated a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). “We remain in touch with local administrations and are closely monitoring the situation.”
Pakistan is situated along the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it particularly susceptible to seismic activity. Balochistan, with its vast and mountainous geography, often faces logistical challenges in emergency response.
