Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Hits Pakistan
An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 has struck Pakistan, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). This seismic event occurred on October 19, 2025, at 11:12 AM IST. The earthquake was centered at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, increasing the likelihood of aftershocks.
Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Details
The NCS provided specific details regarding the earthquake:
- Magnitude: 4.0
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Time: 11:12 AM IST
- Latitude: 36.69° N
- Longitude: 72.78° E
- Depth: 10 km
This event follows a similar earthquake that occurred a day earlier, on October 18, 2025, also at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Significance of Shallow Earthquakes
Shallow earthquakes can be particularly hazardous. The shorter distance for seismic waves to travel to the surface results in stronger ground shaking. This often leads to greater damage to buildings and higher casualty rates.
Seismic Activity in Pakistan
Pakistan is located in a seismically active region, affected by multiple major faults. The geographical positioning significantly contributes to its vulnerability to earthquakes:
- Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are situated on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate.
- Sindh and Punjab lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate.
- Balochistan is near the boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Historical Context
One of the most notable seismic events in the country’s history was the 1945 Balochistan earthquake, which had a magnitude of 8.1. It remains the largest earthquake recorded in Pakistan.
As the country continues to experience seismic activity, residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks following this recent earthquake.
