At least 20 killed and 300 injured as 5.9-magnitude earthquake rocks parts of Balochistan
Pakistani authorities have begun rescue efforts after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck parts of Balochistan early October 7 morning at 3:01 am local time, killing at least 20 people.
As many as 300 people were also injured, according to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said. One woman and six children were among 20 dead, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, a senior provincial government official said.
The earthquake was centred near the Harnai district of Balochistan and had a depth of 15 kilometres, said the National Seismic Monitoring Centre. The earthquake was also felt in Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta.
Army begins rescure efforts
Pakistan security forces reached the affected district for rescue and relief efforts.
Nine critically injured patients were airlifted to Quetta in Pakistan Army helicopters, according to the statement.
Army doctors and paramedics are assisting the civil administration with necessary medical care. Food and medicines were also transported to remote mountainous district Harnai, which was the worst-affected area where a lack of paved roads, electricity and mobile phone coverage hampered rescue efforts.
An urban search and rescue team was being flown in from Rawalpindi to assist in rescue work. Meanwhile, inspector general of Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan has also arrived for damage assessment and response.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal said that assistance and evacuation efforts were under way. “Blood, ambulances, emergency assistance, [helicopters] and rest all things are placed … All departments are working on it,” he tweeted.