Earthquake hits Pakistan, tremors of 4.7 magnitude shake the region
Digital Desk
An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale jolted several parts of Pakistan on Monday, according to the National Center for Seismology. The quake struck at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, causing light tremors across the affected region.
This marks the third consecutive day of seismic activity in Pakistan, as mild earthquakes were also recorded on Saturday and Sunday with magnitudes around 4.0.
Experts say that shallow earthquakes can often be more dangerous than deeper ones because their seismic waves travel shorter distances to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and a higher risk of damage to structures and loss of life.
Pakistan lies in an active seismic zone
Pakistan is located in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where several major fault lines intersect. Provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan lie along the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab sit on the northwestern boundary of the Indian plate — making the country prone to frequent tremors.
Balochistan, in particular, lies near the active boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates, while Punjab’s location along the Indian plate edge also makes it vulnerable to seismic shocks. Even Sindh, though relatively less active, remains at risk due to its geographical position.
The region has a history of major earthquakes — the most notable being the 1945 Balochistan earthquake which measured 8.1 in magnitude and caused widespread devastation.
Authorities have not reported any casualties or damage so far from Monday’s quake, but residents have been advised to remain alert.