Pakistan: At least 12 dead in second earthquake

A SECOND major earthquake has hit Baluchistan in southwest Pakistan today, with at least 12 people confirmed dead.

A Pakistani earthquake survivor stands in front of her makeshift camp in the tremor-hit area. Picture: Getty

The 6.8 magnitude tremor comes just days after another quake just 18 miles away on Tuesday, which killed 359 people.

Abdur Rasheed, the deputy commissioner of the province’s Awaran district, said that the earthquake caused more devastation in already damaged areas.

Chief meteorologist Arif Mahmood told Pakistani television that it was an aftershock from this week’s earthquake and such tremors might continue for weeks.

Baluchistan is Pakistan’s largest but least populated province. The rough terrain and the lack of decent roads have made it difficult for rescue staff. The Pakistani Air Force has been making air drops of supplies and using helicopters to ferry injured people to medical care, but at least two of those helicopters have come under fire from militant separatists.