A massive earthquake in Pakistan has caused havoc around the country and killed at least 20. So far reports from On the ground news in Pakistan suggests thousands more are injured and trapped.
The powerful earthquake was felt in different parts of Balochistan early on Thursday morning, whilst people were sleeping.
Magnitude of a 5.9 #earthquake originated in #Harnai and jolted various parts of Balochistan including Quetta Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/o6DCjaSkCe
— Malik Ali Raza (@MalikAliiRaza) October 7, 2021
The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. The magnitude of the quake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter scale.
5.9 earthquake in Pakistan
Following the earthquake in Pakistan, aftershocks are still being felt in different areas of the province. The earliest tremors were felt at 5:20 am after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses, screaming and shouting to wake local residents up and reciting religious prayers.
Relief and rescue activities are underway in the affected areas with a National Emergency has been declared in all hospitals.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), most of the deceased are children.
The death toll is feared to rise. According to the seismological centre, the epicentre was located near Harnai at a depth of 15km.
Rescue operation underway by the Army
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.
Much of the damage appears to have affected the Harnai district, officials said.
Harnai, which is located east of Quetta, has a large number of coal mines that could collapse during quakes.
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More reports to follow from on the ground news by WTX News