Pakistan launched relief and rescue operation in the earthquake-affected Harnai district of Balochistan after early morning jolts killed at least 20 people and left hundreds injured.
A shallow earthquake of magnitude 5.9 hit parts of Balochistan at 3:01 am local time on Thursday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 300 others, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA),
The earthquake struck at the relatively shallow depth of 15 kilometers with an epicenter near the province’s Harnai district, According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre.
PDMA said in its initial report that the jolts were felt in the provincial capital Quetta, Sibbi, Pishin, Zhob, Chaman, Ziarat, Qila Abdullah, Muslim Bagh, and Sanjavi.
Damage caused by the earthquake
According to the initial report of the PDMA and the data shared by the Deputy Commissioner of Harnai District, Suhail Anwar Hashmi:
- At least 20 people were killed
- One woman and six children were among dead
- Over 300 people have been injured
- Over 100 houses collapsed
The “exact damage” is yet to be confirmed, said the authorities.
PM Imran Khan calls for immediate relief efforts
Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered authorities to start immediate Harnai and provide immediate assistance the earthquake victims. He also ordered to conduct an assessment so relief and compensation could be dispensed.
“My condolences and prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones,” the premier tweeted.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal said that assistance and evacuation efforts were under way. “Blood, ambulances, emergency assistance, [helicopters] and rest all things are placed … All departments are working on it,” he tweeted.
Security forces launch relief and rescue operation
Pakistan security forces have reached the Harnai district for relief and rescue efforts.
The injured, including children and women, have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Harnai. Pakistan Army helicopters airlifted nine critically injured patients to Quetta, according to a statement issued by the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR).
Army doctors and paramedics are assisting the civil administration with necessary medical care. Food and medicines were also transported to the remote mountainous district Harnai. Lack of paved roads, electricity, and mobile phone coverage is hampering rescue efforts, according to the rescuers.
Inspector general of Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan has also arrived for damage assessment and response. An urban search and rescue team is also set to fly from Rawalpindi to assist in rescue work.