5.9 magnitude earthquake hits southwestern Pakistan, leaves at least 15 killed

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani confirmed the death toll and the number of injured citizens.

The quake struck near a remote and mountainous district Harnai of Balochistan province at about 3 a.m. local time, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Earlier in the day, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had said that 20 people had died and more than 300 were injured in the earthquake.

Meanwhile, the rescue operation has been completed and the provincial administration assured of all possible cooperation to those affected by the quake.

The calamity caused power outages and damages across the district of Harnai, media reports said.

More than 200 houses have also been affected in the quake, said reports.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered authorities to provide immediate assistance to Harnai and the quake victims.

He also asked concerned authorities to conduct an assessment so relief and compensation could be dispensed.

"My condolences and prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones," he tweeted.

President Arif Alvi shared his condolences over the loss of lives in the earthquake.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said he was also saddened over the loss of lives.

"The authorities must act on war footing to rehabilitate those affected by this disaster," he stated on Twitter.