ISLAMABAD: A moderate 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck 86 kilometres northeast of Khuzdar in Balochistan province on Friday morning, sending tremors across several districts in Balochistan and neighbouring Sindh. The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported the event at 6:30am at a shallow depth of 13 kilometres, prompting residents to evacuate buildings in panic but with no immediate reports of casualties or widespread structural damage.
The quake was preceded by a smaller foreshock of 3.8 magnitude at 5:52am, occurring 75 kilometres southeast of Khuzdar at a depth of 33 kilometres. Seismologists noted that such sequences are common in tectonically active zones, where initial minor events can precede stronger ones. The main shock’s shallow depth amplified surface shaking, making it perceptible over a wide area despite its moderate intensity on the Richter scale.
Tremors from the main earthquake were widely felt in districts including Sukkur, Qambar, Shahdadkot, Dadu, Jacobabad in Sindh province, as well as Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Nasirabad, and Khuzdar itself in Balochistan. Local residents described buildings swaying and people rushing outdoors as a precautionary measure, particularly in Khuzdar where the shaking occurred twice within hours, heightening public anxiety.
Pakistan lies in a seismically active region due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which has shaped the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Balochistan fold-thrust belts over millions of years. Balochistan province, in particular, experiences frequent moderate to strong earthquakes because of complex fault systems, including the Chaman Fault and Makran Subduction Zone influences.
Historical data indicates Balochistan has endured significant seismic events, such as the 1935 Quetta earthquake of magnitude 7.7 that claimed thousands of lives, and more recent activity underscoring the region’s vulnerability. The current event aligns with patterns of shallow crustal earthquakes typical in continental collision margins, where energy release often occurs at depths less than 30 kilometres.
Authorities, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Balochistan, mobilised rapid assessment teams to survey affected areas for potential cracks in infrastructure or landslides in hilly terrain. Initial field reports suggested minor disruptions but no confirmed collapses or injuries, reflecting the quake’s moderate strength and the relatively sparse population density near the epicentre.
Experts emphasise that earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 to 5.9 can cause noticeable shaking and occasional minor damage in populated areas, especially in structures not built to modern seismic codes. In rural Balochistan, many buildings use traditional mud-brick construction, which performs poorly during ground motion compared to reinforced concrete designs.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department continues to monitor for aftershocks, advising residents to stay alert and avoid damaged buildings. Public awareness campaigns in seismic zones promote preparedness measures, including securing heavy furniture and identifying safe evacuation spots during shaking.
This incident highlights the need for enhanced building regulations and retrofitting in vulnerable districts. Government initiatives, supported by international seismic research, aim to improve early warning systems and community resilience across Pakistan’s earthquake-prone regions.