KHUZDAR: A 5.9 magnitude earthquake jolted Balochistan's Khuzdar district on Saturday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The quake occurred at 10:07 am at a depth of 25 kilometres, the PMD said in a post on X.
The epicentre was located 48 kilometres northwest of Khuzdar, at latitude 28.02 degrees north and longitude 66.20 degrees east. The department released the seismic data through its Islamabad office.
Local residents reported feeling strong tremors, which caused panic in the area, leading many to rush out of their homes and workplaces. Emergency services were immediately alerted to monitor the situation for any potential damage.
Authorities have stated that they are currently assessing the impact of the seismic activity. As of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage in the affected regions.
The PMD continues to monitor seismic activity across the province, as Balochistan is considered a highly sensitive region for earthquakes due to its complex geological fault lines. In August, an earthquake of magnitude 4.8 jolted parts of Balochistan, including Zhob and Chaman.
That event also prompted a swift response from local disaster management authorities. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols during aftershocks.
Public awareness campaigns regarding earthquake safety are being emphasized in the region. Geologists note that the region's proximity to major tectonic plate boundaries makes it prone to frequent seismic events.
Continuous monitoring remains a priority for the government. Further updates will be provided as more data becomes available from the seismic monitoring stations.
Residents are urged to stay away from damaged structures and follow official updates. The provincial government is coordinating with district administrations to ensure that relief efforts are ready if required.
The situation remains under close observation by the relevant authorities.