QUETTA: Tremors of a 4.4 magnitude earthquake were felt in Zhob and nearby regions of Balochistan, causing panic among residents.
According to the Seismological Center, the epicenter was located 15 kilometers north of Kalat, with a shallow depth of just 12 kilometers.
Fortunately, no casualties or property damage have been reported so far. In recent weeks, several mild earthquakes have been recorded across various parts of Balochistan.
While they created fear and unrest among locals, these quakes have not resulted in any reported loss of life or significant damage.
Over the past decade, Balochistan has experienced several significant earthquakes, resulting in considerable loss of life and property. In 2013, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Awaran district, causing over 820 fatalities, injuring hundreds, and leaving approximately 100,000 people homeless.
The quake destroyed or damaged around 80% of homes in Awaran. A subsequent 6.8 magnitude aftershock on September 28 resulted in an additional 15 deaths.
Earlier that year, on April 16, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake near the Iran-Pakistan border severely impacted the town of Mashkel in Washuk district. The quake flattened nearly 90% of the area, killing 14 people and injuring over two dozen.
In 2021, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Harnai district on October 7, resulting in at least 42 deaths and over 300 injuries.
The quake destroyed approximately 10,000 mud homes and triggered landslides, complicating rescue efforts.
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These events highlight Balochistan’s vulnerability to seismic activity due to its terrain, remote settlements, and fragile construction. Despite this, the resilience of locals and efforts by rescue teams have played a vital role in recovery
