5.3-magnitude quake hits central Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: A magnitude-5.3 earthquake struck central Pakistan on Sunday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the shallow quake, which USGS reported had occurred around 3:30 am (2230 GMT) with the epicentre around 60 kilometres (37 miles) north-northeast of Barkhan, a city in Pakistan's mountainous Balochistan province.
Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes.
The region can be challenging to navigate during crisis situations -- in 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people across rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts.
The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake in 2005 that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
Balochistan province, Pakistan's largest, saw a quake in 2021 that killed at least 20 people and left more than 10 injured, with landslides hampering initial rescue efforts in the remote mountainous district of Harnai.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
44 minutes ago
- India.com
From Monsoon Magic To Scorching Summers: The Ultimate Guide To Timing Your Pune Trip
Regarded as 'Oxford of the East', Pune portrays a distinct blend of heritage, culture, and modernization. The word 'Pune' brings in mind vibrant shopping locales, educational institutions, and an IT hub which attracts people round the year. However, coming to the weather, Pune can be quite moody and this influences the best time to travel. In this article, we will explore Pune's seasons and when is the best time to visit the city. (October to February): The Peak Season Tourism peaks in Pune during winter, and if you plan to visit in these months, do not forget to pack warm clothes! The cool temperature coupled with sunny days creates a perfect ambiance for outdoor activities, as well as, sightseeing. During the Pune winters, the temperature typically remains between 15 to 30 degrees Centigrade. Why visit Pune in winter? Improved weather conditions: Comfortable temperatures from 15-30 degrees Centigrade make the possibilities endless when it comes to exploring. Tourists, as well as locals can enjoy peace and tranquility while visiting historical sites such as the Shaniwar wada and the Aga Khan Palace, as well as meditation resorts like the Osho International meditation resort. Trekking and outdoor activities: Like birdwatching, trekking (on the hills and forts of Sinhagad and Lohagad) is an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed in the cool winter weather. Camping and cycling are additional fun exercises to do outdoors. Strawberry season: Along with winters comes fresh strawberries from Mahabaleshwar, and the delicious treats made with strawberries are unmissable. (March to June): A Hot and Dry Spell The dry and hot weather of the Pune summer usually has a daytime temperature above 35°C, and even if the daytime is hot, the evenings cool off relatively well due to the altitude of Pune. Why visit Pune in summer? Summers off-peak season means less visitors to Pune and allows more exploration of the popular locations scattered across the city. This makes for a more personal and peaceful experience. Mango season- Summers also means that mangoes, also referred to as the kings of fruits, are in season which means that the juicy and tasty Procreans are full of Pune. Indoor activities- Museums, art galleries, temples and evenings at Cafe and restaurants during the day while relishing in Pune's deliciously cooler sultry evenings. Nearby hill stations- If climbing the mountains is your escape from the heat. Lonavala and Khandala are both stunning with cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery. (July to September): A Lush Green Transformation Starting from June, the Indian subcontinent falls into monsoon season and for Pune, this means moderate to heavy rain, transforming it into a lush green paradise and along with that, the temperature takes a significant dip, ranging from 20 to 30 celsius. Why visit Pune in monsoon? The rain along with the scenic Pune beauty makes for a treat for nature lovers, the hills and valleys around Pune come alive with waterfalls and greenery bursting which make for an eyeful view. Adventure activities: As the monsoons set in, the breathtaking views make trekking an ideal activity. You may also enjoy rafting and camping at this time. Cultural celebrations: Monsoons coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi, which is a festival celebrated widely in Maharashtra. Pune is one of the places that celebrates this festival in grand style, giving visitors a taste of rich culture. Less travelers: Monsoons bring with them quarantine type rains, which can be a hassle for tourists. For people who don't mind the rains, these monsoon months are an opportunity to enjoy a restful time. What is the ideal time to go to Pune? The best time to visit Pune varies as it depends on individual priorities. For a festive environment with enjoyable weather, the best time to visit is the winter season from October to February. For those on a budget and not keen on large tourist crowds, summer from March to June can give you some respite from the crowds, albeit in hot weather. For those enthusiastic about nature and looking for a unique experience, the monsoon season from July to September is an ideal time. Summing Up No matter what time of the year it is, Pune is a lively city that has something for everyone. Apart from its comfortable winter, The city also possesses unique charm during the monsoons with vibrant festivals and greenery, and has a much quieter and budget friendly summer. Whatever your interests, there is a perfect time available for everyone to visit this city and create wonderful memories.
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Magnitude 4.5 Quake Strikes Pakistan
Islamabad [Pakistan], June 29 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 jolted Pakistan on Sunday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. As per the NCS, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks. In a post on X, the NCS said, 'EQ of M: 4.5, On: 29/06/2025 08:02:51 IST, Lat: 30.24 N, Long: 69.86 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan.' Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Further details are awaited. Earlier in the day, another earthquake of magnitude 5.2 on the Richter Scale jolted Pakistan in the wee hours. In a post on X, the NCS said, 'EQ of M: 5.2, On: 29/06/2025 03:54:02 IST, Lat: 30.25 N, Long: 69.82 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Pakistan.' Prior to that, another earthquake of magnitude 4.4 jolted the region, as per NCS. In a post on X, the NCS stated, 'EQ of M: 4.4, On: 15/06/2025 23:42:42 IST, Lat: 28.85 N, Long: 67.72 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan.' Pakistan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major faults. As a result, earthquakes in Pakistan often occur and are destructive. Pakistan geologically overlaps both the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate on the Iranian Plateau. Sindh, Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir provinces lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate in South Asia. Hence, this region is prone to violent earthquakes as the two tectonic plates collide. (ANI)
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Third earthquake jolts Pakistan in one day
Islamabad [Pakistan], June 29 (ANI): A third earthquake within 24 hours jolted Pakistan on Sunday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. The earthquake of magnitude 3.8 on the Richter Scale occurred at a shallow depth of 15km, making it susceptible to aftershocks. In a post on X, the NCS said, 'EQ of M: 3.8, On: 29/06/2025 11:21:10 IST, Lat: 32.03 N, Long: 72.31 E, Depth: 15 Km, Location: Pakistan.' Earlier in the day, an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 jolted Pakistan, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. In a post on X, the NCS said, 'EQ of M: 4.5, On: 29/06/2025 08:02:51 IST, Lat: 30.24 N, Long: 69.86 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan.' Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Further details are awaited. Earlier in the day, another earthquake of magnitude 5.2 on the Richter Scale jolted Pakistan in the wee hours. In a post on X, the NCS said, 'EQ of M: 5.2, On: 29/06/2025 03:54:02 IST, Lat: 30.25 N, Long: 69.82 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Pakistan.' Pakistan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major faults. As a result, earthquakes in Pakistan often occur and are destructive. Pakistan geologically overlaps both the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate on the Iranian Plateau. Sindh, Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir provinces lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate in South Asia. Hence, this region is prone to violent earthquakes as the two tectonic plates collide. (ANI)
