20 killed, 300 injured as earthquake of magnitude 5.7 rattles Southern Pakistan

At least 20 people were killed and 300 others injured in an earthquake that struck several parts of Balochistan including Quetta in the early hours of Thursday.

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New Delhi: At least 20 people were killed and 300 others injured after an earthquake at a magnitude of 5.7 struck southern Pakistan on Thursday (October 7, 2021) morning. 

According to an ANI report, the injured, which include women and children, have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital of Balochistan. 

The report also added that the epicentre was centered near Harnai district at depth of 15 kilometres. The tremor was registered at the early hours of Thursday. 

"At least 20 dead and more than 200 injured in the earthquake that struck southern Pakistan this morning," Reuters quotes Disaster Management Authority Director General Naseer Nasir as saying

— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2021

The death toll was confirmed by the Deputy Commissioner of Harnai District as per the initial estimates. Additionally, the police also informed that roofs and walls of dozens of houses collapsed in Harnai and Shahrag, trapping several people under the debris. 

The officials also revealed that dozens of public and private buildings were damaged in parts of Balochistan.

An emergency has been declared in all hospitals in Harnai, local media was quoted as saying by ANI. Doctors and paramedical staff have been asked to reach the hospitals. 

Further details are awaited.