Residents of Zhob and the surrounding areas of Balochistan experienced waves of panic on Monday after feeling the tremors of a moderate earthquake.
The epicentre of the 4.8-magnitude earthquake was 40 kilometers southwest of Zhob, according to the National Seismological Centre. The recorded depth of the earthquake was 20 kilometers below the surface of the Earth.
The seismic activity occurred just one day after a more powerful 5.6-magnitude earthquake that devastated the Musakhel and Barkhan districts, though no immediate casualties or damage were reported in Zhob.
Five people were killed in the earlier earthquakes in Barkhan and Musakhel, which also destroyed hundreds of homes and left many families without a place to live. The Balochistani Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) responded by initiating relief activities to assist impacted communities.
35 impacted families in the Musakhel district received tents, dry rations, and other necessities, according to PDMA officials.
While survey teams continue to evaluate the damage in Barkhan and Musakhel, relief efforts are still underway. Following the survey teams’ return from the field, a more thorough damage estimate will be finalized.
