Pakistan was struck by a 4.7 magnitude earthquake on Monday, with the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reporting that the tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km. This seismic activity follows similar moderate earthquakes that hit the country over the weekend.
The earthquake occurred at 11.12 am IST, indicating a potentially volatile seismic period following the weekend tremors. The NCS provided the earthquake’s coordinates as latitude 30.51 N and longitude 70.41 E.
Experts have warned that shallow earthquakes, such as the one on Monday, can pose greater danger compared to deeper ones. This is due to the shorter distance seismic waves have to travel to the surface, leading to stronger shaking and increased damage potential.
Pakistan is located in a seismically active region, intersected by multiple major faults. Provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are situated on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate. This geological setup makes the country highly vulnerable to intense earthquakes.
The region has a history of devastating earthquakes, including an 8.1 magnitude quake in Balochistan in 1945. While Sindh experiences fewer seismic events, no area is entirely safe from earthquakes. Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks and adhere to safety protocols.
Seismologists are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that Pakistan’s unique geological position makes recurring seismic activities almost inevitable.