QUETTA, PAKISTAN – A moderate earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck the remote district of Musakhail in Balochistan early Sunday morning, leaving at least five people injured and causing widespread damage to mud houses across the region. The tremors were followed by a 4.8 magnitude aftershock later in the morning, prompting fear and displacement among residents.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the initial earthquake occurred at 3:24am with a depth of 28 kilometres. The epicenter was located approximately 60 kilometres north-northeast of Barkhan, a hilly district bordering Punjab. A second tremor struck at 7:30am, rattling the same region again.
Local officials reported that tremors were strongly felt in Musakhail, Rarashram, Kingri, and surrounding areas, lasting about 30 seconds. Many residents fled their homes in panic, and dozens of structures, particularly mud houses, were damaged or destroyed.
Five people, including a woman, sustained injuries due to collapsing roofs and walls. Levies officials said a couple was severely injured when the roof of their home caved in. Two of the injured were transferred to District Hospital Loralai in critical condition.
Musakhail Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shabbir confirmed the casualty count and said that rescue and relief teams reached the affected villages shortly after the tremors. He added that at least two homes were completely destroyed and over 100 others were partially damaged, rendering many residents homeless.
The boundary wall of the Government High School in Kingri also collapsed, though no injuries were reported from the site.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said that its district control room was activated immediately, and a damage assessment survey is underway. Preliminary reports indicate that hundreds of homes have been affected across several localities in the district.
In a statement, Balochistan Government Spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that initial relief operations have started in Tehsil Kingri. He said the final report would provide comprehensive details on casualties and material losses.
“Teams are working to relocate affected families to safe locations,” a local administration official told reporters. “Many residents are still reluctant to return to their homes due to the fear of aftershocks.”
Mild tremors were also felt in adjacent districts of Punjab, particularly in areas bordering Balochistan, raising concern among the local population. While no injuries were reported in those regions, authorities remain on alert as aftershocks are likely.
Experts have warned residents to remain cautious, particularly those living in mud-brick houses, which are vulnerable to collapse during seismic activity.
The situation is being closely monitored by provincial authorities, and further updates are expected following the conclusion of damage assessments and relief evaluations.
