DALBANDIN: (Rashid Bugti) The people of Dalbandin and nearby localities in the Balochistan Province felt tremors on Monday, and the local people were scared and panic-stricken.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded the earthquake to have magnitude 4.2 on the Richter scale. The quake had its origin at 66 kilometres deep and the epicentre was found at about 47 kilometres southeast of Dalbandin.
Local governments said that there were no reports of any casualties or major property damage; however, the tremors were so powerful that they were felt in the nearby villages. Short shaking and rattling of doors and windows were reported by residents, which made many of them run out just in case.
According to seismologists, the earthquakes of this magnitude are common in this region because of the tectonic activities between the Arabian and the Eurasian plates. Officials recommended the population to be wary and take precaution during the aftershocks, which at times may be experienced hours after the major quake.
The district emergency services have been put on standby to take prompt action in case of any incidence. Residents are also being encouraged to report any damages or injuries to the local disaster management offices.
The event indicates the constant seismic susceptibility of Balochistan whereby small and big earthquakes occur very often, leading to fear and panic among the local communities living in Balochistan.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded the earthquake to have magnitude 4.2 on the Richter scale. The quake had a depth of 66 kilometres and the epicentre of the quake was around 47 kilometres southeast of Dalbandin.
According to the reports of local authorities, there were no direct reports about a casualty or a serious damage to the property, yet the tremors could be felt in the nearby villages. According to residents, there was a short trembling and rattling down the doors and windows, which made many of them go outside as a precaution measure.
Earthquakes of this magnitude are normal in the area according to the seismologists since there is tectonic movement in the Arabian and Eurasian plates. The authorities recommended that citizens should be vigilant and observe safety precautions whenever there is an aftershock, which at times comes many hours after the actual quake.
The emergency services within the district have been put on a stand-by to be able to respond in case of any incidents. The governments are also encouraging citizens to report damages or injuries to local disaster management centres.
The incident shows that Balochistan continues to experience seismic vulnerability because such minor and moderate earthquakes are common.
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