QUETTA, Nov 19: A moderate earthquake jolted Quetta and several parts of northern Balochistan late on Monday evening.

The tremor struck at around 10.55pm, caused panic and people rushed out in the open despite chilly weather.

The areas hit by the quake included Ziarat, Khanozai, Pishin, Harnai, Qila Abdullah and Toba Achakzai.

The epicentre of the quake was 90km from here in Ahmadoon area of Ziarat district. Its intensity was recorded at 4.5 on the Richter scale. The jolts were felt for over 30 seconds. However, no casualty or property damage was reported. A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale had killed over 400 people and damaged several villages in Ziarat district in Oct 2008.