A strong earthquake in different parts in southern Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday killed at least 20 people and seriously injured more than 300 others.
The magnitude of the earthquake was 5.9. The death toll is feared to rise.
Many of the victims died when roofs and walls collapsed. Health workers treated the injured with the help of torches after electricity failed.
Aftershocks are still being felt in different areas after the quake, local media reported.
The earliest tremors were felt at 3:20am on Thursday after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses, reciting kalimas and verses from the holy Quran. Relief and rescue activities are underway in the affected areas with an emergency declared in all hospitals.
Women and children were among the dead, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, a senior provincial government official, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).The remote mountainous city of Harnai in Balochistan was the worst hit.
Rescue and relief operation is underway after the devastating earthquake in Balochistan, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The Pakistan Army’s special rescue and relief team is being airlifted to Quetta and Harnai, the NDMA spokesperson said on Twitter.
President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the Harnai, Balochistan earthquake.
In a tweet, he condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
He prayed for the early recovery of those injured. President Arif Alvi was confident that the national and provincial disaster management authorities will provide quick relief to the affected people.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter hours after the tragedy.
“I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims & for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief & compensation. My condolences & prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.,” he tweeted.
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