Mild Earthquake of Magnitude 4.6 Shakes Parts of Pakistan on May 12
Islamabad, May 12, 2025 — A mild earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck southwestern Pakistan on Sunday afternoon, briefly unsettling residents but causing no major damage or injuries.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the tremor occurred at 1:26 PM IST. Its epicenter was located at a latitude of 29.12°N and longitude of 67.26°E, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake was primarily felt in Balochistan province, which is known for frequent seismic activity due to its location along active fault lines.
Tremors Felt Across Balochistan
People in cities like Quetta, Khuzdar, and other surrounding towns reported light shaking. Although the tremor lasted only a few seconds, it was strong enough to prompt people to leave their homes and offices in alarm.
“It didn’t last long, but we felt the vibrations clearly,” said Imran Bashir, a shopkeeper in Quetta. “Everyone stepped outside, unsure of how serious it might get.”
There have been no reports of casualties or property loss, according to local officials. However, minor disturbances were observed, such as swaying ceiling fans and rattling windows. Some mobile services experienced short-lived disruptions, but communication lines were restored quickly.
Authorities Respond Swiftly
Following the earthquake, local disaster management teams conducted checks across affected areas. Thankfully, no emergency response or rescue operations were required. Officials remained on alert for possible aftershocks, though none were recorded immediately after the incident.
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Meteorological Department said the situation was under control and advised citizens not to panic. “This was a minor seismic event. However, people should always be cautious and aware of safety protocols in such scenarios,” the official noted.
A Region Prone to Seismic Activity
Pakistan lies at the crossroads of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in South Asia. These tectonic movements frequently trigger tremors, especially in areas like Balochistan and northern Pakistan.
Balochistan, in particular, has witnessed several deadly quakes in recent history. In 2013, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the Awaran district led to significant devastation, claiming hundreds of lives. Another destructive tremor hit Harnai in 2021, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
While Sunday’s quake was relatively mild, experts say even smaller tremors should not be taken lightly.
“Events like this serve as reminders of the region’s geological instability,” said Dr. Sanaullah Akbar, a senior geologist based in Islamabad. “Though a 4.6 magnitude earthquake is not usually destructive, it highlights the potential for larger quakes in the future.”
Need for Earthquake Preparedness
The incident has reignited concerns over Pakistan’s readiness to deal with major seismic events. Many older buildings, especially in rural or underdeveloped regions, are not built to withstand tremors, even of moderate intensity.
Urban planner and civil engineer Farah Iqbal emphasized the urgent need for better construction standards. “Earthquake-resilient infrastructure is still lacking in many parts of the country. Building codes exist, but enforcement is often weak,” she explained. “A stronger focus on preparedness and education is necessary to reduce risks.”
She added that public awareness campaigns and regular safety drills, especially in schools and government buildings, could go a long way in minimizing casualties during future quakes.
Residents Share Experiences Online
Shortly after the tremor, many residents took to social media to share their experiences. The hashtags #PakistanEarthquake and #Tremors started trending on X (formerly Twitter), with users posting videos and personal accounts of the shaking.
Some described feeling lightheaded, while others reported hearing a low rumble just before the tremor was felt. A few even expressed concern about the possibility of a stronger quake following the initial jolt.
While most posts were harmless, officials cautioned against spreading unverified information. “People should avoid sharing panic-inducing rumors and rely on official updates,” the PMD said in a statement.
Looking Ahead
Although Sunday’s quake did not result in any damage, experts say it should not be brushed aside. Regular monitoring, early warning systems, and investment in resilient infrastructure are key to managing the country’s ongoing seismic risk.
Dr. Akbar emphasized the importance of preparedness: “The science of earthquakes doesn’t yet allow us to predict the exact time and location of a major event, but we can certainly take steps to reduce the impact when it happens.”
As the earth continues to shift silently beneath us, the people of Pakistan are reminded once again of the importance of vigilance, education, and proper planning in the face of natural threats.
Quick Summary:
- Date & Time: May 12, 2025, 1:26 PM IST
- Magnitude: 4.6
- Depth: 10 km
- Epicenter Coordinates: 29.12°N, 67.26°E
- Primary Affected Area: Balochistan, Pakistan
- Impact: No damage or injuries reported
While this tremor may have passed without consequences, it underlines the ever-present threat of larger earthquakes in the region. Authorities, planners, and citizens alike are urged to take such incidents as opportunities to strengthen readiness and resilience.
