At least 15 people have died after an earthquake struck southern Pakistan, on Thursday, according to disaster management officials.

Iran PressAsia: Naseer Nasar, the head of Balochistan's Provincial Disaster Management authority, told that between 15 and 20 people had died, but that the toll may increase.

Around 20 people have been after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit southern Pakistan in darkness early on Thursday, government officials said.

Many of the victims died when roofs and walls collapsed, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, a senior provincial government official said.

A woman and six children were among twenty dead, he said. 

"We are receiving information that 20 people have been killed due to the earthquake. Rescue efforts are underway," provincial interior minister Mir Zia ullah Langau added. 219