An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale shook parts of Balochistan province in south-western Pakistan today, with no reports of casualties or material damage.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the epicentre was 48 kilometres north-west of the city of Khuzdar, at a depth of 25 kilometres, and that the tremors were felt by residents of Khuzdar, Kalat and Surab.

The strength of the shaking drove people out of their homes into open spaces. Local authorities confirmed that no human or material losses had been recorded so far, and the local administration put the relevant agencies on alert while continuing to monitor the situation.