Pakistan: One Killed as 5.9-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Balochistan’s Khuzdar

October 18, 2026

Quetta: One person was killed after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan’s Khuzdar district and surrounding areas of Balochistan on Saturday, damaging several traditional mud houses. Tremors were felt across the region, prompting residents to rush out of their homes and take shelter in open spaces, local media reported on Sunday.

According to Pakistan’s meteorological authorities, the earthquake struck at 10:07 am local time. The epicentre was located around 48 kilometres northwest of Khuzdar, at a depth of 25 kilometres, the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) reported, according to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper.

Falling Rock Kills Man in Naal Area

The earthquake claimed one life in the Naal area of Khuzdar district. Officials said a large rock fell from a nearby mountain in Anari, in the Besar area of Naal, striking Abdul Rahim, a resident of Wadh.

He died at the spot, according to the report. The earthquake also caused significant damage to several traditional mud houses in the affected areas.

The tremors triggered alarm among residents, many of whom left their homes and moved to open spaces as a precaution.

Pakistan’s Seismic Vulnerability

Pakistan is located near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making the country vulnerable to earthquakes. Seismic activity has repeatedly affected different parts of the country, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On June 27 this year, an earthquake struck Pakistan with a reported magnitude of 5.4, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). However, the statement cited in the report gave the magnitude as 5.3 and placed the quake at a depth of 75 kilometres. Tremors were felt across several regions, with no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage.

Hindu Kush Earthquake Also Shook Parts of Pakistan

Earlier in April, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, sending tremors across Islamabad, Peshawar and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan’s Geo TV reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 199 kilometres, citing the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre.

Residents of Swat, Hangu, North Waziristan and Chitral also felt the tremors, while shaking was reported in Rawalpindi. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from that earthquake.

The latest incident in Khuzdar has once again highlighted the risks posed by seismic activity in the region, particularly in areas where traditional mud houses and falling rocks can increase the danger to residents.