Powerful 6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northeast Afghanistan, Tremors Felt in Pakistan and India

A powerful earthquake struck northeast Afghanistan on Tuesday night, with tremors felt in cities in Pakistan and India. According to the United States Geological Survey, the 6.5-magnitude earthquake occurred 40 kilometers south-southeast of the northeastern town of Jurm, at a depth of 187.6 km.

The earthquake caused strong tremors in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, according to a CNN team on the ground. Witnesses reported that people ran out of their houses and were reciting the Koran in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, and other cities. People were seen evacuating their homes, out on the street, and trees were seen shaking.

In India, tremors were felt in Srinagar, the largest city in Indian-administered Kashmir. Reports of the quake’s epicenter and strength varied, but the USGS reported a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in the far northeast of Afghanistan, near the country’s border with Pakistan, at a depth of about 116 miles.

The earthquake caused panic and fear among residents in the affected areas, but there have been no reports of casualties or damage so far. The Pakistani National Disaster Management Authority has urged people to remain calm and to stay away from buildings and structures that may be unsafe. The agency also said that it is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.