An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the richter scale struck Balochistan, south-west Pakistan at around 4am Wednesday morning.

Initial reports suggest that over 150 people have been killed and hundreds more injured. Local media reports indicate that around 2,000 homes have been destroyed and thousands of people have been made homeless. The worst affected area is Ziyarat District where mud homes have collapsed trapping people under the rubble.

A relief team from Islamic Relief Pakistan have been deployed to the earthquake affected areas of Balochistan in order to assess the magnitude of the disaster and the immediate needs. Islamic Relief has a strong presence in Pakistan and operations in Balochistan, and so are well placed to respond to this disaster.

The relief team is especially concerned for the welfare of women and children in the affected area, as many have been made homeless and temperatures here can fall as low as minus two.

The immediate needs are for winterised tents to protect people from the cold, especially as the snow will start in the next month.

At present there is no communication with the affected area.

The Chief Minister has flown to the area, and key government ministries are on standby. The Government of Pakistan has not yet declared an emergency situation.

For more information or to arrange interviews with staff on the ground please contact:

Jamsheed Din - 0044 7720 451 310

Helen Mould - 0044 7789 223 527