ZHOB, BALOCHISTAN – Tremors from an earthquake were felt in the Zhob district of Balochistan province earlier today, triggering alarm among residents. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported the earthquake measured 4.0 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 33 kilometers. The epicenter was located 61 kilometers northwest of Zhob.
However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the earthquake’s magnitude and epicenter. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad reported a stronger earthquake, measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale at a depth of 35 kilometers, with an epicenter 106 kilometers south of Zhob.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided yet another perspective, reporting a quake of the same magnitude but with a much shallower depth of 10 kilometers. According to the USGS, the epicenter was situated 61 kilometers north of Kohlu District, which differs from both local reports.
Adding to the uncertainty, a second, smaller quake with a magnitude of 3.9 occurred less than an hour later. Its epicenter was located 79 kilometers south of Zhob at a depth of 151 kilometers, according to PMD data.
Despite the discrepancies, the tremors caused significant concern among the local population. Many residents rushed out of their homes in fear of potential aftershocks. Authorities have assured the public that there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage to property.
Local disaster management teams are on standby, closely monitoring the situation and advising residents to remain cautious. Further assessments are being conducted to reconcile the varying seismic data and evaluate any potential risks.
