Earthquake kills over 20 people in Pakistan
A powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and many mud houses in southwest province of Pakistan on Thursday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 200.
According to Suhail Anwar Shaheen, the local deputy commissioner, the death toll was expected to rise as crews searched in the remote mountainous area.
The 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck as most residents of the Harnai district, about 100km (60 miles) east of the provincial capital Quetta, were asleep at just past 3am, according to United States Geological Survey data. The tremor took place at a depth of about 20 kilometres.
The provincial disaster management authority said at least 200 people were injured.
“Rescue officials have reached the scene and are working,” Osama bin Ijaz, a provincial disaster management official said.
“A survey of the damage to the houses and other buildings in Harnai was ongoing.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis to residents of the area following the earthquake.
Provincial minister, Zia Langove stated that, rescue efforts had been hampered due to landslides caused by the earthquake having blocked roads in the area.
“There has been quite a lot of landsliding, and teams are currently working to clear the roads to the area.
“Rescue officials will be able to conduct a more accurate assessment of the damage once they have access to the area,” he added.
READ ALSO: Rare Australian earthquake triggers panic in Melbourne
Sandra/Al-Jazeera
