Powerful Quake Kills Dozens in Pakistan

M7.7 earthquake strikes 66km NNE of Awaran, Pakistan

A powerful quake measuring 7.7Mw struck 66km north-northeast of Awaran, a remote part of the Baluchistan province in southwestern Pakistan, USGS/EHP reported.

The quake, centered 27.000°N, 65.514°E, struck at a depth of about 20km. Tremors were felt as far east as the Indian capital New Delhi, as well Karachi in Pakistan.

The quake has left at least 100 people dead or injured, and destroyed scores of mud houses in Awaran, according to early reports.

Aftershocks

At least 5 significant aftershocks followed the mainshock, as of posting, with the strongest measuring 5.9Mw.

EQ Location Map [USGS/EHP]

EQ Details

• Event Time: 2013-09-24 11:29:48 UTC
• Location: 27.000°N, 65.514°E
• Depth: 20.0km (12.4mi)
• Nearby Cities
  • 66km (41mi) NNE of Awaran, Pakistan
  • 116km (72mi) NW of Bela, Pakistan

Estimated Fatalities: Red Alert

USGS has issued a Red Alert Level for shaking-related fatalities, which means high casualties are probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a national or international level response.

Estimated Economic Losses

USGS has issued an Orange Alert Level for economic losses. Significant damage is likely. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Pakistan.

Tectonic Summary [USGS]

The September 24, 2013 M7.7 earthquake in south-central Pakistan occurred as the result of oblique-strike-slip type motion at shallow crustal depths. The location and mechanism of the earthquake are consistent with rupture within the Eurasia plate above the Makran subduction zone. The event occurred within the transition zone between northward subduction of the Arabia plate beneath the Eurasia plate and northward collision of the India plate with the Eurasia plate. The epicenter of the event is 69km north of Awaran, Pakistan, and 270km north of Karachi, Pakistan (population 11.6 million). Read More…