Wendy Ruth Sherman, the US Deputy Secretary of State, expressed her “heartbreak” over the news of the earthquake that struck Pakistan on Thursday (7 October), killing at least 20 people, and injured more than 300 others.
Read also: 20 Killed As Earthquake Of 5.9 Magnitude Hits Parts Of Balochistan
Sherman expressed her sorrow over the incident on Twitter. She wrote, “I am heartbroken to learn of the deadly earthquake that struck southwest Pakistan early this morning.”
She stated that she will fly to Islamabad bringing “sincere condolences” from American citizens to Pakistanis. She made a post that read, “I am flying to Islamabad tonight, and will carry with me the sincere condolences of the American people to the people of Pakistan.”
Sherman will arrive in Pakistan on Friday, accompanied by a seven-member group, for a two-day visit.
The Aviation Division had received a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prohibiting them from physically searching and photographing the US delegation.
A PCR test has also been ordered to be waived for the US delegation by the Aviation Division as per orders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earthquake in Balochistan
A powerful earthquake struck Balochistan early Thursday morning, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300 others.
Aftershocks were still felt in several locations after the quake. At 3:20 a.m., the first tremors were felt, and terrified residents raced out of their homes, saying the kalima and verses from the holy Quran. In the impacted districts, relief and rescue efforts are underway, and all hospitals have declared an emergency.
The majority of those killed, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), are youngsters.
The death toll is expected to grow, and the epicenter was located near Harnai at a depth of 15 kilometers, according to the seismological center.
According to officials, the Harnai district appears to have taken the brunt of the devastation. Coal mines are abundant in Harnai, which is located east of Quetta.
