Pakistan: Pakistani soldiers scrambled on Friday to get aid to tens of thousands of survivors in remote southwestern mountains where about 215 people were killed in an earthquake this week.

The 6.4 magnitude quake struck Baluchistan, Pakistan's largest but poorest province, on Wednesday. Worst hit was Ziarat district, a picturesque valley and one of the region's main tourist spots.

District chief Dilawar Khan said more than 45,000 people in the valley had been affected but only a small fraction of them had received help.

"Troops are trying to transport relief goods to the people but only 5 percent of those have so far been able to get some assistance," Khan told Reuters.

"Ninety-five percent are still without any aid. Only 1,500 tents have been distributed and if relief does not reach the people on time, there may be more losses."

With freezing night-time temperatures, officials said tents and blankets were urgently needed.

Help is on the way. The government said on Friday that Saudi Arabia was giving $100 million in aid for survivors.

The quake struck just over three years after a 7.6 magnitude quake hit Pakistan's northern mountains, killing 73,000. Last year, the worst floods on record in Baluchistan killed hundreds.

Source : Reuters