BARkhan: Tremors were experienced in Rakhni and its adjoining areas of Barkhan district in Balochistan on Monday, sending people into a state of panic who came out of their homes and shops in terror.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported that the earthquake registered 5.0 on the Richter scale and was 15 kilometres deep. The epicentre was at 39 kilometres northeast of Rakhni town in Barkhan district, which is renowned for its mountains and moderate seismicity.
Residents said the tremors were “strong but short,” lasting a few seconds and causing buildings, windows, and domestic items to shake. The jolts were so strong that they were perceptible in surrounding localities, such as Duki and Loralai.
Rescue teams and local authorities confirmed that no property or loss of life had been reported at the last updates. Officials indicated that emergency services remained on standby and field teams had been sent out to gauge the situation in countryside areas.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, and so far there are no reports of damage or injuries,” a local administration officer told reporters. “People are advised to remain calm but cautious in case of aftershocks.”
Pakistan lies on a number of active fault lines and is, therefore, vulnerable to continuous seismic activity, especially in Balochistan and in the north. Previously, even moderate earthquakes in the province resulted in landslides and mud house damage in far-flung villages.
The shallow-depth of the region’s quakes usually scares people, despite their moderate magnitude, experts say.
The latest major tremor in Balochistan was in August, when a 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook the region around Awaran district, inflicting minor structural fissures but no significant casualties.
As the watch continues, officials have appealed to citizens to adhere to safety precautions and be on guard for potential aftershocks.
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