Balochistan’s seismic zone remained active on Wednesday as mild earthquakes were reported in Khuzdar and Sibi, according to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC). The tremors were felt early morning, but no damage or casualties were reported.
Khuzdar recorded a 3.3-magnitude quake at a depth of 15km, with the epicentre located 80km southwest of the city. Sibi experienced a stronger 4.0-magnitude tremor at a depth of 10km, centred about 50km southwest of the district. Officials said the situation is being monitored and urged residents to stay calm.
The latest quakes follow a series of minor tremors that have affected the region in recent weeks. On November 26, Sibi felt a 3.1-magnitude quake with a depth of 10km. Its epicentre was reported around 60km northeast of Sibi. The tremors were brief, and there were no reports of structural damage.
Earlier in November, other parts of the province also experienced light seismic activity. On November 8, Ziarat and nearby areas were shaken by a magnitude-5.0 earthquake. The epicentre was located 67km northeast of Quetta. Despite the strength of the quake, no major losses were reported.
Experts note that Balochistan’s seismic vulnerability is linked to its position along a major fault line where the Indian plate meets the Eurasian plate. This geological setting has historically made the province prone to earthquakes. The region has witnessed several devastating quakes, including the 2008 Ziarat earthquake, which killed more than 200 people and injured around 500. Entire villages were flattened, and over 15,000 residents were forced from their homes.
Other districts such as Pishin, Bolan, Chaman, and Quetta also reported significant losses during past quakes. Pakistan overall has faced several major disasters, including the 2005 northern earthquake that killed 73,000 people and the deadly 1935 Quetta earthquake that claimed around 30,000 lives.
Seismic activity has not been limited to Pakistan. A 6.3-magnitude quake struck near Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan on November 3, killing at least seven people and injuring around 150. It occurred just months after another major quake and aftershocks claimed more than 2,200 lives.
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Authorities say they will continue to monitor Balochistan’s seismic movements closely to assess potential risks and ensure public safety.
