A 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck Sibi, Pakistan, on January 4, 2025, at approximately 5:40 AM, causing panic but no reported casualties. The quake lasted around 30 seconds, with damage limited to minor cracks in some mud houses. This event marks the second tremor in Balochistan within a week, emphasizing the region’s regular seismic activity.
On Friday morning, a 4.7-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Sibi region, causing alarm among residents who fled their homes in search of open spaces. The tremor was recorded at approximately 5:40 AM and persisted for about thirty seconds, prompting a swift response from the local population. Officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported the quake’s epicenter located 22 kilometers southeast of Sibi at a depth of 18 kilometers, with coordinates 29.34N and 67.93E.
Emergency assessment teams were dispatched to evaluate the damage, revealing no casualties or significant structural damage in the town and its vicinity. However, it was noted that cracks had appeared in some mud homes on the outskirts of Sibi. A senior official from the local administration stated, “We have sent survey teams to assess the situation in the affected areas, but fortunately, no one was hurt or killed in the moderate earthquake.”
This seismic event marks the second earthquake to impact the Balochistan region within a week. Previously, on December 28, an earthquake registering 5.1 on the Richter scale struck Chaman and Qila Abdullah districts. Sibi is situated in a seismically active zone due to its location near the meeting point of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such natural occurrences.
The Sibi region is located in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, an area that frequently experiences seismic activity due to its geological positioning near the tectonic plate boundaries. Earthquakes of varying magnitudes have been common in this region for years, often resulting in both infrastructure damage and loss of life. Recent earthquakes, including a significant one that affected Chaman just days prior, underscore the ongoing seismic risks faced by local communities. Understanding these geological dynamics is crucial in assessing emergency preparedness and response measures in earthquake-prone areas.
In summary, the earthquake that struck the Sibi region on January 4, 2025, serves as a reminder of the area’s seismic vulnerability. While the immediate impact appeared to be minimal in terms of casualties and major property damage, the formation of cracks in mud houses signifies the potential for future risks. Continuous monitoring and preparation are essential for ensuring community safety in light of the frequent seismic activity in Balochistan.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
