Pakistan earthquake kills 160

At least 160 people were killed when a strong earthquake struck southwestern Pakistan. The US Geological Survey said a 6.4 magnitude quake hit 40 miles northeast of Quetta, capital of Baluchistan province. Pakistan's Meteorological Department put the magnitude at 6.5 and said the earthquake struck at 5.10 am local time. Many people are believed to be buried under rubble and at least 18 aftershocks have rattled the nerves of survivors. The toll is expected to rise said a provincial government minister Zamrak Khan. He said: "Eight villages in Ziarat have been badly affected and there are still many areas which have not yet been reached." The epicentre of the earthquake was near the scenic valley of Ziarat, one of the main tourist spots in Baluchistan. Ziarat is a scenic valley, one of Baluchistan province's main tourist spots, 45 miles northeast of the provincial capital, Quetta. Pakistan is no stranger to natural disasters. In October 2005, about 73,000 people were killed when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit northern mountains, and last year the worst floods on record in Baluchistan killed hundreds. Ziarat district chief Dilawar Khan said: "Hundreds of mud houses have collapsed. We are using whatever resources we have to help the people and have asked for help from the provincial government." Some roads had been blocked by landslides and army helicopters were helping with the rescue. But teams had yet to reach remote places in mountains above the Ziarat valley, Khan said. Ziarat district has a population of about 50,000.

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ITN | October 29, 2008

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