ISLAMABAD (PEN) : A low-magnitude earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale struck Balochistan’s Kalat district early Monday morning, triggering brief panic among locals but resulting in no reported damage or injuries.
Epicentre Southeast of Kalat
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) Seismic Centre, the tremor’s epicentre was located approximately 8 kilometers southeast of Kalat. The quake occurred in the early hours of the day and was shallow in depth, which contributed to its perceptibility in the area.
Recent Seismic Activity Across the Region
This minor quake follows another seismic event just two days earlier when a 4.9-magnitude earthquake hit Gwadar and nearby coastal areas in Balochistan. That tremor had its epicentre 40 kilometers southwest of Pasni at a depth of 14 kilometers, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre. No damage or casualties were reported in that incident either, though residents expressed concern over the frequency of tremors.
Elsewhere in the country, Karachi has experienced increased seismic activity since the start of June. The PMD noted that 36 minor quakes have been recorded in the city, attributed to the reactivation of the Landhi fault line. The latest of these was a 2.6-magnitude quake that struck near Malir at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Additionally, Peshawar witnessed a 4.7-magnitude earthquake recently, originating from Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush range with a depth of 211 kilometers. Although no injuries were reported, the tremor was widely felt across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes
Pakistan is located along the active boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it particularly prone to seismic activity. The ongoing collision of these plates frequently results in earthquakes across the region, some of which have historically led to significant damage.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and stay informed through official updates, especially in areas that have recently experienced seismic disturbances.
