Toll in devastating Pakistan quake rises to 264

The death toll in the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan's Balochistan province rose to 264 today as soldiers and rescue teams scoured through the rubble of thousands of collapsed homes for survivors.
Balochistan Home Secretary Asad Gilani confirmed that the 7.7-magnitude temblor had killed 264 people. Awaran district, located near the epicentre, reported 208 deaths.
Over 400 were injured, and officials said more people were feared to be buried under debris in far-flung areas which rescue teams had been able to enter only today because of the difficult terrain and lack of roads.
According to initial estimates, over 300,000 people have been affected by the quake that hit yesterday afternoon. Many people do not have access to food, drinking water or shelter. The situation has been exacerbated by the hot weather, officials said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch has declared an emergency in Awaran and five other districts that were among the worst-hit areas.
Over 1,000 Army and Frontier Corps personnel are involved in rescue operations and military officials said more troops were being sent to the affected areas.
A large number of people were rescued from the debris of collapsed mud-brick houses and the injured were given emergency aid by military doctors and paramedics.
Residents of Awaran said no building in the town, including hospitals, schools and government officials, had remained intact.