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 ther carries the body of his child who was killed when their hou house collapsed in southeast Pakistan and (inset) families bury their dead following the e quake, which caused houses to collapse (top).