Five Earthquakes Hit Balochistan in 24 Hours, PMD Warns of More Tremors
Quetta: Five moderate earthquakes were recorded across different parts of Balochistan during the past 24 hours. A 5.2-magnitude earthquake was also felt today in Barkhan and nearby areas, raising concerns over continued seismic activity across the province.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Sibi, while a 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Kohlu. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported that the Sibi earthquake occurred at a depth of 42 kilometers, with its epicenter located 57 kilometers northeast of the city. The Kohlu earthquake occurred at a depth of 18 kilometers, with its epicenter 65 kilometers northeast of the city.
Chief Meteorologist Ameer Haider Laghari said that Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lie on the Eurasian tectonic plate, making both regions naturally prone to earthquakes.
He explained that the recent earthquakes resulted from movements in the upper layer of the tectonic plate and are also linked to global geological activity. According to him, the energy waves generated by the recent earthquake in Venezuela are affecting interconnected tectonic plates, contributing to increased seismic activity across the region.
Ameer Haider Laghari further noted that following the series of major earthquakes in Indonesia between 2000 and 2011, the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake was also recorded, describing it as an example of the interconnected nature of global tectonic movements.
He clarified that additional earthquakes may continue until the accumulated energy beneath the Earth's surface is fully released. However, based on current scientific knowledge, it is not possible to accurately predict the exact time, location, or magnitude of an earthquake.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has urged citizens not to pay attention to rumors, to follow precautionary measures, and to comply with the instructions issued by the relevant authorities during any emergency.