Turkey offers aid after deadly Balochistan earthquake

Turkey has offered assistance to Pakistan after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Balochistan, killing at least 20 people.

According to diplomatic sources, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives.

During the conversation, Cavusoglu said that Ankara stands ready to provide every kind of assistance to Islamabad.

Read more: At least 20 killed as magnitude 5.9 earthquake jolts Balochistan

The quake was centred about 14 kilometres north-northeast of Harnai in Balochistan province. The location is about 100 kilometres from Quetta.

More than 100 mud houses collapsed and many buildings were damaged. Television footage showed buildings with gaping cracks, caved-in roofs and crumbled walls.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a rescue and relief operation is underway. Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal said people are being evacuated by government departments along with support from the army and security forces.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also said that troops had reached Harnai for rescue and relief efforts, with necessary food and shelter items being dispatched for the affected people of the district.

The military's media wing added that army doctors and paramedics, along with necessary medicines and equipment, are also assisting the civil administration. At least nine critically injured were evacuated to Quetta through Army Aviation helicopters.

It further said that the IG FC Balochistan (North) has also reached Harnai for damage assessment and response, with urban search and rescue teams dispatched from Rawalpindi to further aid rescue efforts.