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Powerful quake rocks Balochistan leaving 20 killed. 300 injured

QUETTA: Earth quake has caused devastation in different areas of Balochistan leaving at least 20 people killed and more than 300 injured.

An earthquake of five point nine magnitude intensity rocked the northern Balochistan early this morning.

According to the seismological centre, the epicentre was located near Harnai at a depth of 15km.

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.

Harnai was the most affected area in quake in terms of loss to lives and property. Several houses were destroyed and government buildings were damaged.

Rescue teams from Quetta have been rushed to the most affected districts and injured are being shifted to hospitals.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), most of the deceased are children.

A medical emergency has been declared at the Civil Hospital Quetta and Harnai where doctors and other paramedical staff have been recalled on an emergency basis. .

According to a statement issued by the ISPR, necessary food and shelter items have been moved for the earthquake affected population.

Army doctors and paramedics along with necessary medicines are assisting the civil administration for necessary medical care, the ISPR statement read.

The ISPR said that nine critically injured people were evacuated by air to Quetta through Pakistan Army aviation helicopters.

The Balochistan (North) IGFC has also reached Harnai to assess the damage, while an urban search and rescue team is being flown from Rawalpindi to speed up and assist in rescue activities.

According to deputy commissioner of Harnai, Sohail Anwar Hashmi, several people have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition.