31 Jul 2022 | 02:05 PM UTC
Pakistan: A magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurs near southern coastline, July 31
A magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurs in southern Pakistan at around 18:42 July 31. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurred in southern Pakistan at 18:42 July 31. The epicenter was about 348 km (216 miles) west of Karachi. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 40 km (25 miles), and shaking was probably felt throughout southern Balochistan Province. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Advice
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
