On Thursday morning, an earthquake struck Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. Because of this earthquake, at least 20 people were killed and more than 300 injured.
As per the National Seismic Monitoring Center, the earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Ricker scale was centered in the Harnai District, about 100km east of provincial capital Quetta, and happened at a depth of 20km. It has happened at 3 am when most people were asleep.
The provincial disaster management authority said that rescue efforts have been difficult because of landslides caused by the earthquake. The authority said that they were clearing the roads which are leading to damaged areas. Harnai is the worst-hit region, where most houses are built with mud and stone. This area has also so many coal mines, which could collapse during earthquakes.
Many deaths happened due to the collapse of roofs and walls. Rescue officials said that they will be able to conduct an accurate assessment of damage only after access to all quake-hit areas. Locals said that more than 200 houses had been damaged.
Army doctors and paramedics, with food and shelter items, were helping civilians in the affected area.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has “ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis” to residents of the affected area.
