QUETTA: A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the border district of Chaman and surrounding areas on Saturday, causing panic among residents and forcing many to abandon their homes.

According to officials, the tremor hit in the morning, compelling residents to leave their homes and seek shelter under the open sky in freezing temperatures.

According to the Earthquake Monitoring Centre, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale, and its depth was recorded at 20 kilometres, with epicentre located in southeastern Afghanistan.

The earthquake was also felt in Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Toba Achakzai, Spin Buldak and some regions of Afghanistan. While no casualties or major financial damage were reported, officials said cracks had appeared in mud houses in Chaman and other areas.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024