Death toll rises to 45 in Pakistan earthquake

The death toll of strong earthquake in southwestern province of Balochistan has reached 45, the country's disaster response agency said. The 7.8-magnitude quake which hit Awaran district of Balochistan province also injured at least 30 people, Brigadier Kamran Zia of the National Disaster Management Authority said. Geological Survey issued a red alert for the quake, warning that heavy casualties were likely based on past data, Pakistan's Geo News reported Tuesday. The provincial government has declared an emergency in Awaran and the military has mobilised 200 soldiers and paramilitary troops to help with the relief effort. Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Malik Baloch has ordered deputy commissioners of all 30 districts to remain on high alert in the aftermath of deadly quake.