QUETTA: A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Balochistan on Wednesday, with tremors felt in Zhob and Chaman, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC).
The NSMC, operating under the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 15 kilometres, with its epicentre located 122 kilometres northeast of Zhob.
Residents in the affected areas reported feeling the tremors, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
How Does This Compare With Previous Earthquakes in the Region?
The latest earthquake occurred in a region that has experienced several significant seismic events in recent years.
On October 7, 2021, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Balochistan with its epicentre near Harnai at a depth of 15 kilometres. The quake, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, killed at least 20 people and injured more than 300. Most of the fatalities were reported in Harnai, where numerous buildings collapsed and over 70 houses were damaged. Rescue teams and military personnel were deployed as aftershocks continued in the following days.
More recently, in March 2024, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake affected Chaman and several other districts, including Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Noshki, Dalbandin, Chagai and Quetta. The earthquake had its epicentre about 150 kilometres southwest of Quetta at a depth of 35 kilometres.
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, while no emergency response has been required following Wednesday’s earthquake.