By KUNA,
Islamabad : The death toll after a violent earthquake in Southwestern Pakistan has crossed 200 while hundreds others are reported injured and homeless.
Provincial government sources told KUNA that at least 160 dead bodies have been retrieved from rubble in Ziarat district, Baluchistan province. In nearby areas, a rescue operation is also underway.
Sources said that hundreds of wounded have been admitted to hospital, adding that some 20,000 have been left homeless.
Provincial Forestry Minister Abdul Samad addressing a press conference here said that three districts were severely hit by the quake and that 15,000 people have been left homeless in Ziarat and nearby areas.
He said all houses have been completely destroyed in the area and appealed to donors to immediately provide tents and food items for the affected people.
An army statement said that it dispatched medical teams to the most affected Kawas and Warchoon areas of Ziarat district.