A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near Khuzdar in Balochistan on Saturday morning, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). Reuters reported the quake at 05:25 UTC.
The US Geological Survey measured the tremor slightly higher at magnitude 5.7. Its epicentre was about 48 kilometres west-northwest of Khuzdar, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Shallow quakes usually cause stronger shaking on the surface.
Shaking felt across the region
The USGS issued a yellow alert, which means some casualties or damage are possible. It estimated the maximum shaking intensity at VII, described as very strong. Around 4,000 people were exposed to that level of shaking, while roughly one million people live in the wider affected area.
Khuzdar itself, a city of about 141,000 people, felt light to moderate shaking. There is no tsunami threat, as the epicentre was well inland.
No casualty or major damage figures had been reported at the time of writing. The situation is still developing.
A quake-prone region
Balochistan sits in a tectonically active zone where the Indian plate pushes against the Eurasian plate. Moderate to strong earthquakes are common in the region. Authorities are expected to release damage assessments later today.
Representative image: cracked earth in an arid landscape.
Comments (0)
Be respectful — comments are moderated.