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At least 15 people were killed and several others injured as areas of Balochistan were jolted by a strong earthquake early Thursday morning.
The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. The magnitude of the quake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter Scale.
The death toll is feared to rise. According to the seismological centre, the epicentre was located near Harnai at a depth of 15 km.
According to the deputy commissioner of Harnai, 15 people were killed and more than 50 others injured in the quake. Several people have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition, he informed.
The deputy commissioner said that several buildings in Harnai have been damaged while many people have been left buried under the rubble. The power supply to the area has been suspended.
According to the deputy commissioner, levies and rescue teams have been dispatched to help and evacuate the affected people.
According to the rescue sources, more than 70 houses were reported damaged in Harnai.
Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Lango has confirmed that 15 people have lost lives in the quake.
According to Balochistan Home Minister, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has sent heavy machinery and rescue teams to the affected areas from Quetta.
He said that there were reports of damage in Ziarat, Qila Saifullah and Sibi while most of the casualties were reported in Harnai.
According to Ziaullah Lango, most people are still stuck under the rubble of collapsed buildings.