Earthquake in Pakistan

A large and powerful earthquake struck the province of Balochistan, a remote, mountainous region of Pakistan, on the evening of 24 September 2013. The region is Pakistan's largest, but least populated province. Officials in the area report that major damage and loss of life has been averted due to the earthquake's location in a remote area.

The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale and tremors were felt as far away as New Delhi. Aftershocks of up to 5 magnitude are expected following the earthquake.

Reports suggest that over 200 people have been killed and almost 400 people are injured. A red alert has been issued for the area, which means that there are estimated fatalities of more than 1000 and damages exceeding $1 billion.

In the Awaran district, it has been reported that entire villages were destroyed in the earthquake. The houses in these locations were mostly constructed from mud, which offered little resistance to the earthquake.

Local media have reported that a new island has been created off Pakistan's Gwadar coastline, following the earthquake, approximately 1 kilometre out to sea.