At least 30 people were killed when a powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude occurred in a remote area of South-West Pakistan, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

The incident, according to United States Geological Survey, happened at 16:29 local time, (11:29 GMT), at a depth of 20km (13 miles), 66km north-east of Awaran in Balochistan province.

It was felt as far away as Karachi, Hyderabad, and India's capital, Delhi.

According to findings, the province experienced similar case in April with over 35 people killed.

Further findings from sources said many of the casualties were from Labach, on the northern outskirts of Awaran town. There are reports of some people trapped under the rubble of collapsed houses.

Speaking about the incident, Abdul Qadoos, deputy speaker of the Balochistan assembly, said at least 30% of houses in Awaran district had collapsed.

Officials in the regional capital, Quetta, said some areas may have suffered serious damage but the remoteness made early assessment impossible.

Pakistan's chief meteorologist Mohammad Riaz told reporters it was a major earthquake that could cause extensive damage.

"But it would depend on how dense the population is in the area around the epicentre," he said.