Earthquake Kohlu today: 5.1 Magnitude Shakes Balochistan

QUETTA – (Web Desk) – A 5.1-magnitude earthquake Kohlu today rattled parts of Balochistan, with tremors spreading across Zhob, Barkhan, and Rakhni districts, the National Seismic Monitoring Centre confirmed.

The NSMC said the quake struck at a depth of 17 kilometres. The epicentre was located 60 kilometres northeast of Kohlu.

People in nearby districts also felt the shaking. However, no casualties or property damage were reported so far.

Earlier the same day, Kohlu had already experienced tremors in the afternoon, making it the second seismic event in the area within hours.

This comes after a 4.9-magnitude quake hit Lahore and surrounding areas earlier this month on June 5. Its epicentre was in the Kashmir region at a depth of 18 kilometres.

Pakistan sits on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The country has a long history of deadly seismic events.

In February this year, a 5.8-magnitude quake shook Islamabad, Swat, and Hunza. The 2005 Azad Kashmir earthquake killed over 73,000 people. Balochistan also suffered a deadly quake in Harnai in 2021.

Experts say the rugged landscape of these regions makes rescue and relief operations very difficult. Preparedness remains the key to saving lives.