A massive earthquake in different parts of Pakistan, at least 20 killed, 300 injured

5.9 magnitude earthquake rattles Balochistan

The quake affected the Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat, and Zhob districts of Balochistan at 3:02 pm. According to the seismological center, the magnitude of the quake was 5.9 while the epicenter was 15 km from Harnai.

The Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the quake killed 20 people and injured more than 300.  The condition of many people injured in the quake is critical while those injured in remote areas are being airlifted to Quetta hospitals and an emergency has been declared at the Civil Hospital in Quetta.

Deputy Commissioner Harnai said that many buildings were damaged in Harnai while many people were buried under the rubble and the power supply in the area was also suspended. Earthquakes and landslides in different parts of Balochistan have also closed many communication roads.

Levies officials are engaged in relief operations for the rehabilitation of Harnai-Sanjavi Road while Loralai-Harnai highway has also been closed due to which educational institutions in Harnai are closed today.

Army teams are also engaged in relief work in Balochistan

According to Pakistan Army Public Relations Department (ISPR), security forces have reached the quake-hit area of Harnai, and food and temporary shelters have been shifted to the quake-hit population.

ISPR said that army doctors and paramedical staff were assisting the civil administration with necessary medicines. Nine critically injured people were airlifted to Quetta by a Pakistan Army aviation helicopter.

According to the public relations department, IGFC Balochistan North has reached Harnai to assess the damage, while an urban research and rescue team is being dispatched from Rawalpindi.

According to the deputy commissioner, levies and rescue teams have been dispatched to help the people and people are being airlifted to safer places.

According to rescue sources, more than 70 houses were reported damaged in Harnai

Earlier, owing to this traumatic incident, The Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langau had confirmed that 15 people had been killed in the quake. According to Balochistan Home Minister, PDMA has dispatched heavy machinery and rescue teams from Quetta. He said that there were reports of damage in Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, and Sibi while more casualties were reported in Harnai.

According to Ziaullah Langu, a large number of people are trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings, and rescue operations are being carried out to remove them.

Earthquake and landslide affected halfway opened

Additionally, Balochistan Home Minister Zia Langau has said that almost half of the roads affected by the earthquake and landslides have been opened. Zia Langau said that landslides have taken place in many areas but the roads will be cleared in a few hours. The affected areas are remote areas and it will take time for machinery and rescue teams to reach.

He further added, that all resources were being utilized for the relief operations and the facilities at Harnai hospital were not adequate so the critically injured were being shifted to Quetta.

Furthermore, The Home Minister said that there were reports of damage in Qila Saifullah and Ziarat while government buildings were also damaged in the quake.

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