7.2 earthquake rocks Baluchistan

A major 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck a remote area of south-western Pakistan early today, causing widespread panic but reportedly few casualties. It was so powerful that aftershocks lasting 20 seconds were felt from Delhi to Dubai.

The US geological service said the centre of the quake was in Baluchistan province, close to the Afghan and Iranian borders, the country's most sparsely populated area, at a depth of 50 miles. Pakistani meterologists added that its epicentre was in a remote area about 200 miles south-west of the Baluchistan capital, Quetta.

Although no word had been received on damage in Dalbandin, the town closest to the epicentre, quakes of this strength can cause widespread destruction.

Nasir Baluch, a police officer in Karan, 45 miles from the epicentre, said several mud houses collapsed or were damaged in an area outside the town. But Fateh Bangar, Karan's deputy commissioner, said the town itself had suffered no major damage.

Karachi resident Mohammad Zubair said he was watching a cricket match on TV when his bed began to shake.

"I jumped out of bed realizing it was an earthquake," said the 28-year-old. "My mom started reciting verses from the Quran, and we rushed outside."

Similar reports were received from Quetta, but the only casualty was one woman reportedly dying from a heart attack.