5.9 magnitude quake hits SW Pakistan; scores killed, over 300 injured

At least 20 people were killed while over 300 others sustained injuries after an earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hit Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province early Thursday morning.

As per details, the earthquake was centred near the province's Harnai district and had a depth of 15 kilometres.

The earthquake had a longitude of 67.96 East and a latitude of 30.08 North.

Tremors were felt in Quetta, Sibbi, Pishin, Muslim Bagh, Ziarat, Qila Abdullah, Sanjavi, Zhob and Chaman, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said in its initial report.

According to PDMA, most of the deceased are women and children.

Reportedly, the earliest tremors were felt at 3:20am after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses, reciting ‘Kalima Tyyaba’.

Aftershocks were still being felt in different areas till hours after the quake.

After being informed, relief and rescue teams reached the spot and rescue operations are underway in the affected areas.

Blood, Ambulances, emergency assistance, Heli and rest all things are placed.... All departments are Woking on it

— Jam Kamal Khan (@jam_kamal) October 7, 2021

According to local media reports, landslides in the quake-hit areas have blocked several roads causing difficulties in rescue operations.

More than 70 houses were reported damaged in Harnai, said rescue sources.

Moreover, a medical emergency has been declared at the Civil Hospital Quetta where doctors and other paramedical staff have been recalled on disaster basis.

As per officials, the death toll is feared to rise as at least 15 injured are said to be in critical condition while several others were buried under the debris of the collapsed houses.

According to Balochistan Home Minister, the PDMA has sent heavy machinery to the affected areas from Quetta.

The region prone to quakes as it's situated where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.