Pakistan: Toll leaps to 73,000

Pakistan says more than 73,000 people died in the 8 October quake that devastated its north and Kashmir.

Official figures a day earlier had put the death toll at about 57,000. No reason was given for the sudden jump.

The government has proceeded cautiously in its count so far. The new figures tally closer to local estimates of 80,000 which are several weeks old.

Relief commissioner Farooq Ahmed Khan said more than 69,000 were injured. He expected the casualty toll to rise.