2013 Balochistan earthquakes

2013 Balochistan earthquakes
UTC time2013-09-24 11:29:47
ISC event608458290
USGS-ANSSComCat
Local date24 September 2013
Local time16:29:48 PKT (UTC+5)
MagnitudeMw 7.8
Depth12.8 kilometres (8.0 mi)
Epicenter26°57′04″N 65°30′04″E / 26.951°N 65.501°E / 26.951; 65.501
TypeOblique-slip
Areas affectedBalochistan, Pakistan
Total damageUS$100 million (equivalent to $135 million in 2024)
Max. intensityMMI IX (Violent)
Aftershocks50 ≥Mw4.0 (as of 25 September 2014)
Largest is Mw6.8
Casualties840 fatalities, 619 injuries

The 2013 Balochistan earthquakes were the deadliest to affect Pakistan since 2005. The mainshock, occurring on 24 September, had a moment magnitude of 7.8 and maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). It had an epicenter located in Awaran District, 113 km (70 mi) northwest of Bela. The mainshock killed over 820 people, injured hundreds of others, and left 100,000 people homeless. The Awaran District was among the worst affected with 80 percent of its housing stock damaged or destroyed. On 28 September, the region was affected by a Mw 6.8 aftershock, killing an additional 15 people. Rescue and recovery efforts were severely hampered by insurgents who attacked military troops sent to distribute aid. These attacks also prompted the Pakistan government to close its doors to international aid.