KIDS AMONG 20 DEATHS AS QUAKE FLATTENS HOMES

HARNAI: At least 20 people were killed and more than 100 injured when an earthquake struck southwestern Pakistan, causing the roofs and walls of mud-brick homes to collapse on families as they slept.

A one-year-old boy was among the victims, killed when a beam crashed on top of him in the darkness, as the 5.9-magnitude quake jolted at least six cities and towns in Balochistan province. The worst-affected area was the remote mountainous district of Harnai, where landslides blocked roads, hampering rescue efforts.

“The roof of my house collapsed, and when I regained consciousness, I pulled out two of my sons, but the youngest one had already died,” said Rafiullah, a farmer from a village in Harnai district.

The first burials, including one for two young children, have already taken place.

The quake was followed by two more in the wider Asian region. A 6.1magnitude earthquake jolted the Japanese capital Tokyo, injuring more than 20 people. And a 5.6-magnitude quake rattled northwestern Myanmar. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Pictures: AFP A grief-stricken father carries the body of his child who was killed when their house collapsed in southeast Pakistan and (inset) families bury their dead following the quake, which caused houses to collapse (top).