HistoryData
disaster2013

Earthquake to the north-northeast of Awaran in Balochistan, Pakistan

September 24, 2013

The deadliest earthquakes to strike Pakistan since 2005, killing over 820 people and leaving 100,000 homeless in Balochistan.

Quick Facts

Year
2013
Category
disaster

Key Facts

Mainshock Magnitude
7.8 Mw
Maximum Mercalli Intensity
IX (Violent)
Deaths (mainshock)
Over 820 people
People left homeless
100,000 people
Housing damaged/destroyed (Awaran)
80%
Aftershock magnitude (28 Sep)
6.8 Mw, 15 additional deaths

By the Numbers

7.8
Mainshock Magnitude
820people
Deaths (mainshock)
100,000people
People left homeless
80
Housing damaged/destroyed (Awaran)

Location

Map of Awaran, PakistanMap of Awaran, PakistanAwaran, Pakistan

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

A major seismic event struck Awaran District in Balochistan, Pakistan, on 24 September 2013. The region lies in a seismically active zone, and the earthquake's epicenter was located 113 km northwest of Bela, releasing energy consistent with a moment magnitude of 7.8.

Event

The mainshock registered Mw 7.8 with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), devastating Awaran District. On 28 September, a significant Mw 6.8 aftershock struck the same region, killing an additional 15 people and compounding damage to an already stricken population.

Consequence

More than 820 people were killed, hundreds injured, and 100,000 left homeless. Recovery efforts were severely impeded by insurgent attacks on military relief personnel, which led the Pakistani government to refuse international humanitarian assistance, prolonging the crisis for survivors.

Human Cost

Death toll visualizationEach dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths.

Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 835 (earthquake)

earthquakeMagnitude 7.8 Mw
Awaran DistrictBalochistan

Timeline Context

Timeline around 20132013201020112012201420152016Eurovision Song Contest 2013 — 58th Eurovision Song ContestJanuary 2013 — month of 20132013 Formula One World Championship (FIA) — 64th season of Formula One motor racing2013 Africa Cup of Nations — football championship of Africa2013 World Championships in Athletics — 2013 edition of the World Championships in Athletics2013–14 UEFA Europa League — 43rd season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFAJunior Eurovision Song Contest 2013 — 11th annual Junior Eurovision Song ContestFIBA EuroBasket 2013 — 2013 edition of the FIBA EuroBasket2013-balochistan-earthquakes-2013