A Pakistan earthquake left 46 dead and dozens injured after striking the southern part of the country Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, CNN reported Sept. 24.

A fatal 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed 46 people and injured dozens in Awaran in Balochistan province Tuesday, Provincial Home Secretary Asad Gilani said.

According to reports, the province has declared a rescue emergency after the incident, and all officials were on high alert while doctors and medical practitioners were on standby for possible victims.

Lt. Col. Abid Ali Askari said more than 200 troops, including rescue and medical teams, have been dispatched to the said area where the quake was at its strongest to provide first aid and assistance.

Principal Seismologist of the National Seismic Monitoring Center Zahid Rafi said the 7.8-magnitue Pakistan earthquake occurred in a remote area.

The quake reportedly struck 43 miles (69 kilometers) with a depth of about nine miles (about 15 kilometer) northeast of Awaran and 71 miles (114 kilometers) northwest of Bela, according to the USGS.

Director of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Balochistan Latif Kakar said several mud-walled homes were destroyed in Awaran.

CNN reported that the tremors of the quake lasted approximately two minutes, and many people quickly flocked out onto the Quetta streets, the provincial capital of the country.

Meanwhile, aftershocks were felt in Karachi, hundreds of miles to the southeast, just minutes after the temblor.

Local Police Official Mozzam Jah said that many people were surprised to see that a mass of about 30 to 40 feet high of land emerged from the ocean and formed into a small mountain island off the coast of Gwadar. Jah added that people then gathered to view the island from afar.

Rafi said the National Seismic Monitoring Center confirmed the appearance of the newly-formed island out of the ocean, adding that it was "not surprising" given the strong magnitude of the Pakistan earthquake.