ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani officials are investigating whether the powerful earthquake that killed dozens also created a new island off the southern coast.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department's director general, Arif Mahmood, says witnesses have reported that a small island has appeared near the port of Gwadar.

He says the temblor could have caused the earth under the sea to rise, but officials need to investigate further.

Gwadar Police Chief Pervez Umrani says the new land mass is visible from the beach. He says the mass is about 9 meters (30 feet) high and 100 meters (109 yards) long.

At least 39 people were killed by the earthquake.