Updated: Strong Earthquake Hits Balochistan, Shaking Felt In New Delhi

BALOCHISTAN: A strong earthquake of magnitude measuring 7.8 struck in Balochistan on Tuesday. It struck at 16:29 local time (11:29 GMT) at a depth of 23km (15 miles), 145 miles south-east of Dalbandin in Balochistan, US Geological Survey said.

The US Geological Survey has measured the quake at 7.8 magnitude. A “RED” alert has been issued by the agency. This means estimated fatalities of over 1,000 and damages costing over $1 billion.

The quake struck in Balochistan, just 69 km north-northeast of Arawan, the nearest city.

According to the reports, houses have been damaged across Dalbandin, Mashkel, Arawan and an unspecified number of people have been injured and are in the process of being escorted to nearby hospitals. This is yet to be officially confirmed.

The earthquake hit a remote area of the country at a depth of just 15km (9.3mi), but was felt as far away as neighboring India. The earthquake was also felt in the adjoining province of Sindh, including cities of Karachi, Jacobabad, Khairpur, and Nowshero Feroz.

In India’s New Delhi, buildings shook sending people running into the streets, Reuters witnesses said.

In April this year a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Iran-Pakistan border killing 46 people and injuring some 180 others. Houses collapsed in the disaster, causing people to flee to the streets out of fear.

Island near Gwadar

Photo courtesy Syed Ali Shah
Meanwhile, a 30 to 40 feet high mountain like island has also emerged at western coast of Gwadar as result of the earthquake, Mozzam Jah, Deputy Inspector General Police Gwadar said.

He said a large number of people are gathered to witness the island.