More than 100 people killed and thousands injured when a strong earthquake struck southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday. Hundreds of homes were destroyed by the quake.

"The death toll is expected to rise as reports from remote areas o Baluchistan is still awaited" said Provincial Revenue Minister Zamrak Khan.

"Eight villages in Ziarat have been badly affected and there are still many areas which have not yet been reached," Khan said.

Ziarat, one of Baluchistan province's main tourist spots, is situated 70 km northeast of the provincial capital, Quetta.

According to US geological survey, the quake struck two hours before dawn, and had a magnitude of 6.4. It was centered 400 miles south-east of Islamabad.

"Rescue work is being carried out by the villagers themselves, but a larger operation is needed here" said Dilawar Kakar mayor of Ziarat.
The army is rushing medical teams and hospitals to the spot.

In October 2005, a strong earth quake devastated Kashmir and northern Pakistan killing about 80,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.