Islamabad, Pakistan (BBN) – More than 80 people were killed and scores of others injured when a 6.1 intensity earthquake jolted most parts of the country’s southwestern Balochistan province on Wednesday morning.

The quake hit around 70 kilometers (43.4 miles) northeast of provincial capital of Quetta and 185 kilometers (114 miles) southeast of the Afghan city of Kandahar, according to the US Geological Survey.

The jerks were felt at 0430 hours and 0510 hours which demolished and damaged scores of houses in Ziarat, Quetta, Kuchlak, Pishin, Chaman, Mastung and Loralai areas of the province, according to reports.

District coordination officer of the worst-hit Ziarat Sohail-ur-Rehman said said at least 80 people were killed in the earthquake and the toll is expected to rise.

BBN/SI/SSF/AD-29October08-12:23 PM (BST)