QUETTA: Severe tremors were recently felt in the western areas of Balochistan’s Zhob district.
According to the seismological data, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.5 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located 110 kilometers northwest of Quetta.
The sudden shaking triggered panic among local residents, causing people to rush out of their homes while reciting verses from the Holy Quran.
Fortunately, no casualties or major property damage have been reported so far, and local authorities are continuing to gather details from the affected areas.
This minor event highlights the ongoing seismic vulnerability of Balochistan, a region that has experienced significant tectonic activity over the past two decades.
Situated along active fault lines influenced by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, the province has witnessed several high-magnitude and destructive earthquakes since the mid-2000s.
Notable historical events include the devastating 2008 Ziarat earthquake, which measured 6.4 in magnitude and claimed over 160 lives, as well as the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck southwestern Balochistan, primarily affecting Awaran in September 2013 and causing massive destruction.
More recently, recurring swarms of moderate tremors continue to remind residents and disaster management authorities of the persistent, high-risk geological environment characterizing Pakistan’s largest province.
