Epicentre Located Near Balochistan Capital
A magnitude-4 earthquake jolted Quetta, Ziarat and several surrounding areas of Balochistan, causing concern among residents on Saturday.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre confirmed that the earthquake’s epicentre was located approximately 37 kilometres northeast of Quetta.
The tremor originated at a depth of 15 kilometres below the ground. Shaking was felt in the provincial capital, Ziarat and nearby communities.
Many residents reportedly felt the ground move and became concerned about possible aftershocks. However, there were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries or structural damage.
Emergency and local authorities continued monitoring the affected areas following the tremor. Initial assessments suggested that the earthquake was moderate and had not caused a major emergency.
No Casualties or Property Damage Reported
Officials said no casualties were reported immediately after the earthquake.
There were also no confirmed reports of damage to homes, roads or other infrastructure in Quetta, Ziarat or nearby areas.
Earthquakes of this strength can often be felt clearly, particularly when they occur at a relatively shallow depth. However, the level of damage depends on several factors, including distance from the epicentre, construction quality and local ground conditions.
Authorities may continue inspecting older and weaker buildings to ensure that no hidden structural damage occurred.
Residents have been advised to remain calm and follow official safety guidance if additional tremors are felt.
During an earthquake, people inside buildings should move away from windows, heavy furniture and objects that could fall. Those outdoors should remain clear of buildings, electricity poles and damaged structures.
Recent Earthquakes Keep Seismic Risk in Focus
The latest tremor comes one month after a magnitude-5.4 earthquake shook several parts of Pakistan.
That earthquake originated in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountain range at a depth of approximately 215 kilometres.
Tremors were felt across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Punjab. Areas including Peshawar, Swat, Kohat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Charsadda and Swabi reported shaking, but no casualties were recorded.
Pakistan regularly experiences earthquakes because it lies near active tectonic boundaries. Balochistan, northern Pakistan and the Hindu Kush region are particularly vulnerable to seismic activity.
Quetta has experienced destructive earthquakes in the past, making even moderate tremors a source of concern for local communities.
Seismic experts consistently stress the importance of earthquake-resistant construction, emergency planning and public awareness in vulnerable regions.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre continues to record and analyse earthquakes affecting Pakistan and neighbouring areas. Its data helps authorities assess the location, strength and depth of seismic events.
No warning of a stronger earthquake had been issued following Saturday’s tremor. Authorities had also not confirmed any significant aftershocks at the time of reporting.
