Severe tremors in Pakistan’s cities, 20 killed, more than 300 injured

QUETTA: (PNI) At least 20 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in a series of tremors in different parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s largest province, Balochistan.

According to the seismological center, the quake affected Quetta, Chaman, Ziarat, Zhob, Sibi, Harnai, Loralai, Dakki, Pishin, Qila Saifullah and Muslim Bagh. Decimal 9 was recorded.

The epicenter was reported at a depth of 15 km near Harnai. According to the Deputy Commissioner, there was a severe earthquake in Harnai. In this regard, the Deputy Commissioner Harnai said that due to the severe earthquake in Harnai, the roofs of several houses collapsed and power supply was also suspended after the earthquake. Government buildings were also damaged. According to Deputy Commissioner Harnai, apart from Harnai, several houses in Shahrag also collapsed due to the quake.

The death toll from the quake is expected to rise as more people are buried under the rubble. The DG, PDMA, said the majority of those killed in the quake were children. Heavy machinery was dispatched to Harnai for rescue operations. According to PDMA, Harnai is a hilly area where most of the houses are unpaved. The Balochistan Home Minister said that the quake struck at 3:01 a.m. which caused severe damage.

Aftershocks also occurred in Balochistan after the earthquake. At 5:01 a.m. today, a magnitude 4.5 tremor was felt. According to DC Harnai, communication roads were also affected by the quake. In this regard, rescue sources said that more than 70 houses were damaged in Harnai. According to the Balochistan Home Ministry, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah and Sibi were also damaged.