Karachi Earthquake: 7.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan
Posted On Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at at 9:41 AM by OwnerKARACHI: A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Pakistan, the US Geological Survey reported early Wednesday morning.
The US agency revised an initial estimate that the quake was very shallow ranging at 7.4, and said it probably centered at a depth of 52 miles (83 km), 55 km (34 miles) west of Dalbandin.
First reports from the region, close to the frontier with Afghanistan, suggested injuries may have been limited, not least given the sparseness of the population.
The earthquake hit Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Jaffarabad, while tremors were felt in Lahore and Sargodha.
Residents in major cities as far apart as the Indian capital New Delhi and the Gulf emirate of Dubai said they felt tremors, as did people in Karachi, although there were no early reports there of damage or injuries.
The Pacific Tsunami Center said the onshore quake had not triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean.
A major quake of this magnitude is capable of causing widespread and heavy damage.
55 km (34 miles) W (271°) from Dalbandin, Pakistan
263 km (164 miles) W (269°) from Kalat, Pakistan
301 km (187 miles) ESE (102°) from Zahedan, Iran
793 km (493 miles) NE (41°) from MUSCAT, Oman
263 km (164 miles) W (269°) from Kalat, Pakistan
301 km (187 miles) ESE (102°) from Zahedan, Iran
793 km (493 miles) NE (41°) from MUSCAT, Oman
A major quake of this magnitude, if at a shallow depth and close to population centres, is capable of causing widespread and heavy damage and could pose fresh strains on Pakistan following the devastating floods last year which left more than 10 million people homeless.
Source: Tribune
