KARACHI/BALOCHISTAN: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.2 struck parts of Karachi and Balochistan late on Monday night, causing panic among residents, officials said. The National Seismic Monitoring Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported the earthquake epicentre was in Sonmiani, Balochistan, at a depth of 12 kilometres, located approximately 87 kilometres from Karachi.
Read More: Strong Earthquake Hits Northeast Japan, Tsunami Advisory Issued
In Balochistan, tremors were felt in Hub, Vinder, and Gadani, prompting residents to rush outdoors as buildings shook. Earlier on Monday, a smaller 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck Sibi city and surrounding areas, with no reports of casualties or damage.
کراچی کے مختلف علاقوں میں زلزلے کے جھٹکے محسوس کیے گئے ۔ رپورٹس کے مطابق آئی آئی چندریگر روڈ،صدر، کلفٹن، پی ای سی ایچ ایس اور ڈی ایچ اے میں زلزلے کے جھٹکے محسوس کیے گئے۔ زلزلے کے جھٹکے محسوس کیے گئےجس کے بعد شہری خوفزدہ ہوکر گھروں سے باہر نکل آئے۔ زلزلہ پیما مرکز کے مطابق زلزلے… pic.twitter.com/yLtAruQce9
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) December 15, 2025
The province has experienced a series of minor tremors in recent weeks. On December 3, Khuzdar felt a 3.3-magnitude quake while Sibi experienced tremors of magnitude 4.0. Even earlier, on November 26, Sibi reported a 3.1-magnitude quake, and on November 8, Ziarat and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.0-magnitude earthquake.
Balochistan sits along a seismic hotspot where the Indian plate pushes against the Eurasian plate, making it prone to frequent earthquakes. The region’s sparse population and rugged terrain make rescue and relief operations challenging. The province has faced devastating quakes in the past, including the 2008 Ziarat earthquake, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed entire villages, and the 1935 Quetta earthquake that claimed around 30,000 lives.
Read More: 4.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Lahore, parts of Punjab
While Monday’s tremors caused panic, authorities reported no casualties or structural damage. Residents have been advised to remain alert and follow safety measures as minor aftershocks may continue in the coming days.