Strong earthquake strikes near Khuzdar, Pakistan

An earthquake struck near Khuzdar in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Initial accounts reported no casualties, injuries, or building damage. Residents fled homes and shops in search of open spaces, and some reports said tremors were felt in nearby areas. Agencies disagreed on the figures. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported magnitude 5.9 at 10:07 a.m., depth 25 kilometers, and an epicenter 48 kilometers northwest of Khuzdar at latitude 28.02 north and longitude 66.20 east. The U.S. Geological Survey listed magnitude 5.7 and an epicenter 48 kilometers west-northwest of Khuzdar. The National Center for Seismology put magnitude at 5.8, depth near 15 kilometers, and tremors at 10:37 a.m. local time. GFZ via Interfax on baku.ws reported magnitude 5.6 and depth about 10 kilometers, epicenter in Khuzdar district. baku.ws said over 14.9 million people live in the Balochistan region. Authorities cautioned about risks to vulnerable structures and possible aftershocks. Dawn noted prior magnitude 4.8 and 4 quakes in the province in August and July that caused no casualties.