Quetta : At least 20 people were killed and more than 300 injured when an earthquake of five point nine magnitude intensity hit the northern Balochistan early this morning.

The epicentre of earthquake was near Harnai and it was 15 killometers deep.

Rescue teams from Quetta have been rushed to the most affected districts and injured are being shifted to hospitals.

Chair man National Disaster Management Authority Akhtar Nawaz telephoned Home Minister of Balochistan Ziaullah Langoo and assured all possible assistance to deal with calamity.

Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau said that medical teams, helicopter, food items, medicines would be sent in earthquake affected  districts on emergency basis.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has also expressed deep grief and sorrow over loss of precious human lives in earthquake.

Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan, in a tweet, said all departments have been engaged to rescue earthquake affected people in District Harnai.

He said the injured people are also being airlifted and brought to Quetta for medical treatment.