At least 200 people were killed when a powerful earthquake struck areas 70 kilometres northeast of the Pakistani city of Quetta. The earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale, occurred at 5:09 AM. People in Quetta were in a state of panic, when the quake struck the region in the wee hours.

Most number of deaths have been reported from Ziarat, 50 kilometres east of Quetta. A huge number of people are feared trapped inside the debris. According to sources, the death toll may cross 200. The rescue operation is going on a full strength.