The quake hit in the early hours of the morning, when many people were in bed.

Local officials say dozens of people have been treated for injuries caused by the collapse of mud houses or in the panic that followed.

The epicentre was about 60km (40 miles) north-east of the city of Quetta, where people took to the streets fearing further tremors.

Some homes were buried in a landslide north of Quetta triggered by the earthquake.

The Pakistan military has sent teams to the area to assess the damage and help with the relief operation.

Many houses have been destroyed and local officials say they expect the death toll to rise.