Tectonic tremors: Magnitude 5.3 earthquake rocks Barkhan, Balochistan

BARKHAN: A magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred approximately 56 kilometres north-earth of Barkhan, Balochistan, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported early on Sunday.

The seismic event was recorded at 3:24 am and was situated at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The epicentre of the earthquake was located at coordinates 30.364°N latitude and 69.773°E longitude.

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Residents in nearby areas reported feeling the tremors.

However, there was no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties.  

Pakistan: A hotbed of seismic activity

Balochistan has significant tectonic activity; primarily due to the complex interactions between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The constant collisions of the two plates generates considerable geological stress, resulting in frequent seismic events in the region.

Pakistan is situated within a seismically active zone, with numerous fault lines traversing the country. Among these, the Chaman Fault, which runs along the border with Afghanistan, is responsible for many of the region’s earthquakes.

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The tectonic setting of the area is defined by the continuous convergence of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian plate, contributing to high levels of earthquakes, among other seismic activity.

Historically, the region has experienced several significant earthquakes that have had profound impact on the local communities.

The 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.6, resulted in extensive devastation and took over 70,000 lives.

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Similarly, a devastating earthquake destroyed Quetta in 1935, Balochistan, British India. The earthquake was recorded at 7.7 magnitude and is said to have been the deadliest quake in the region before the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

As estimated 30,000 to 60,000 people perished in the aftermath.