ActionAid’s sponsored children and their families in southern Pakistan are reported safe after the region was hit by an earthquake last night.

Field visits conducted by ActionAid Pakistan partners in Balochistan and Sindh provinces found that all partners have declared their respective development areas safe at this stage. As yet, there is no reported damage to houses, livestock or livelihoods. However, field staff remain in the areas to more fully assess the situation and a more comprehensive update will be shared shortly.

Jemal Ahmed, country director of ActionAid Pakistan, said: “Thankfully so far none of our sponsored children have been affected by this earthquake. However we are still assessing the situation and if necessary will respond with an emergency aid package.”

The earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale, hit south-western Pakistan, in a desert area bordering Iran and Afghanistan.