A 5.5-magnitude earthquake hit Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Sunday morning, leaving three people hurt and destroying houses in the Musakhel district. The quake, with an epicentre 56 kilometres northeast of Musakhel at a depth of 28 km, destroyed two houses and partially destroyed three.
Relief efforts have been initiated by authorities as evaluations continue, with tents erected as temporary shelters. This quake may be considered moderate, but it again indicates the vulnerability of Balochistan to seismic activity—most often with disastrous outcomes.
Details and Initial Impact
The earthquake struck at approximately 3:24 am local time, close to Musa Khel. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that two houses had fallen and three more were partially destroyed. They stated there were three injuries but called them minor.
Residents in neighboring areas—Barkhan, Rara Shaim, Kingri, and Wastu—experienced severe tremors. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured 5.3, and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) measured 5.5.
Structural Damage and Relief Measures
Musakhel was severely structurally damaged. PDMA sources have confirmed two houses’ collapse and partial destruction of three houses. The earthquake also resulted in cracks in dozens of buildings.
In retaliation, PDMA teams moved swiftly. They assessed the damage and handed out tents to the affected people. Emergency services are being coordinated by authorities as surveys continue to assess the extent of the damage.
Balochistan’s Seismic Risk
Balochistan is located at the confluence of the Arabian, Indian, and Eurasian tectonic plates. Pakistan sees regular seismic activity due to this location. In the past, the province has suffered fatal earthquakes:
- A 2021 earthquake in Harnai killed 20 individuals and injured more than 100.
- A 2005 Kashmir earthquake (7.6 M) killed 73,000 people and displaced millions.
- The 2013 6.4 M earthquake in Awaran killed more than 800 and injured more than 600.
All these incidents highlight the fact that even low-intensity earthquakes have catastrophic consequences in this region.
Cautionary Notes and Rescue Preparedness
Authorities cautioned citizens in Musakhel and adjacent districts to be on the lookout for aftershocks. They asked people to come forward with reports of structural damage. Rescue crews in the local area are still on standby. They hope to deliver assistance quickly should further earthquakes occur.
While quick response can reduce damage, the area still needs long-term investment in earthquake-resistant facilities.
Rebuild Stronger, Prepare Smarter
The 5.5-magnitude earthquake that occurred on Sunday serves as a sobering reminder of Balochistan’s ongoing seismic risk. The damage to homes underscores the precarious security of rural homes, even though the three injuries might be considered incidental.
Pakistan needs to strengthen its structural stability and disaster preparedness because we still remember decades of deadly earthquakes. The actual work to build more resilient homes, bolster early warning systems, and ensure protection in an area on unstable ground has just begun, even though the earthquake is now over.