Pakistan earthquake: Toll exceeds 350; US offers assistance
- September 26, 2013, 7:01 pm
- National News
- 106 Views
Washington, Sept 26 (Online): The United States offered to assist Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit Pakistan's remote south-west province of Balochistan killing over 350 people, the White House said.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Pakistan, and we always stand ready to assist in any way we can in a terrible situation like that, a natural disaster," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, told reporters.
"It is certainly the case that Pakistan has suffered more than its fair share of natural disasters," Carney said in response to a question.
The 7.7-magnitude quake struck on Tuesday afternoon at a depth of 20km (13 miles) north-east of Awaran, the US Geological Survey said.
The number of injured exceeded 500 and people rummaged through rubble for possessions.
The devastating quake flattened many houses and thousands of people had to spend the night in the open.
After the quake, an island appeared off the coast near the port of Gwadar.
