Army continues rescue, relief efforts in quake-hit Harnai

Commander Balochistan Corps Lt Gen Sarfraz oversees troops taking part in relief operations including medical care

Commander Balochistan Corps Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali on Friday visited earthquake-hit areas of Harnai in Balochistan to oversee troops taking part in rescue and relief operations, the military said.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army urban search and rescue team are busy with speedy rescue and relief efforts in the affected area. "Necessary medical care being provided by army and Frontier Corps doctors and paramedics," it added.

The ISPR said that all critical injured evacuated to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Quetta through Pakistan Army aviation helicopters. "A large number of injured were also evacuated by road."

Read more: Shallow earthquake rattles Balochistan

The statement further said that 300 special food and administrative package including tents, blankets and meals were provided to the affected population.

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

At least 20 people were killed and more than 300 sustained injuries, some of them seriously, as a devastating earthquake in different parts of Balochistan on Thursday knocked down scores of houses at a time when many victims were asleep, officials and medics in several districts confirmed.

According to the Met department, a 5.9 earthquake struck at 3:01am. The epicentre of the quake was near Harnai at a depth of 15 kilometres. The tremors were felt in Quetta, Sibi, Chaman, Ziarat, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Loralai, Pishin, Muslim Bagh and other areas of the country.

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Reports suggested that more than 70 houses collapsed, while several other buildings were damaged, forcing hundreds of people to come out in the open. Provincial Home Minister Ziaullah Langau said that most of the casualties were reported from Harnai district.

Home Minister Langau said that data of the damage was being collected but added that at least 5 to 6 districts were severely affected. Houses were destroyed in an area up to 15 kilometres from Harnai, which is the worst affected district.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had ordered an immediate assessment of the damages and offered condolences to families that lost loved ones. “I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis... for the earthquake victims.”