QUETTA: A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of four struck Zhob and neighbouring Sherani district on Tuesday afternoon, forcing residents to flee their homes in panic and seek shelter in open areas.

According to the Pak­istan Meteorological De­­part­­ment, the earthquake occurred at 2:11pm with a depth of 22 kilometres. Its epicentre was located 13km west of Zhob town.

Tremors were felt across a vast area, triggering fear among locals. Officials confirmed that although no casualties or major damage had been reported, survey teams were dispatched to assess any potential losses.

“We have sent survey teams to different areas, and so far, only cracks in some mud houses on the outskirts of Zhob town have been reported,” said a senior Zhob administration official. This marks the third earthquake to hit Zhob in the past month.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025