A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said, with tremors felt as far away as the Indian capital New Delhi. Over 100 people are confirmed dead in Awaran, Balochistan as a result of the earthquake.
According to media reports, earthquake tremors were felt in several cities of Balochistan and Sindh including Karachi and Hyderabad.
The quake struck at 4:29 pm local time (1129 GMT) around 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of the city of Khuzdar in Balochistan province, at a depth of 15 kilometres.
Tremors which began at 16:29 (PST) were felt for several minutes in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and parts of Balochistan.
According to the Meteorological Department the earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale and its epicentre was 120 KM from Khuzdar in Balochistan. The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at 7.8 on the Richter scale.
USGS originally measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.4 and 29 kilometres deep but later revised their figure. Pakistan’s meteorological office gave the magnitude as 7.
7.
A senior Pakistani meteorologist, Muhammad Riaz, told Dunya TV station it was a “major” earthquake and “heavy destruction” was likely.
Minor tremors were felt as far away as New Delhi, while office workers in the city of Ahmedabad near the border with Pakistan ran out of buildings and into the street.
Mumtaz Baluch, senior local administration official in Awaran district, 350 kilometres southwest of Quetta, told AFP: “There are reports of houses being collapsed in the district due to earthquake.”
“We have dispatched our teams to the affected area to ascertain the losses.”
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18:35
FC sources say a levies force camp has been damaged in the Labash area of Awaran
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18:26
Director Seismic Centre, Zahid Rafi says three aftershocks have been reported.
18:15
Aftershocks of 5.2 magnitude reported in Khuzdar: Met Office
18:10
No reports of aftershocks in Karachi as life returns to normal.
18:07
Geo News correspondent in Quetta says there has been no major damage reported as a result of the earthquake in the city or surrounding areas.
18:00
Reports from Awaran say that at least ten people have been killed, eight injured due to the earthquake
17:48
Chief Minister Balochistan declares emergency in Awaran
17:45
Gwadar Commissioner says several homes have been damaged in the area
17:38
Additional Deputy Commissioner Awaran says several houses have been damaged in the area.
17:35
According to reports from Awaran two bodies have been recovered from a house.
17:30
Chief meteorologist, Muhamamd Riaz while speaking to Geo News said aftershocks were expected. “Damages are likely as this was a major earthquake,” Riaz said.
17:28
Commissioner Quetta has also placed the administration in all districts on high alert.
17:25
Light tremors were also felt in Northern India, UAE and Oman.
17:20
There are reports of several houses and shops being damaged in Awaran in Balochistan. The Deputy Commissioner Awaran has declared emergency at hospitals.
