A powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday late night destroyed villages, killing more than 1411 people, authorities say.
The earthquake hit the country on Monday at 12:17 am. The quake left over 3124 injured, according the Afghanistan government spokesperson. Reports say worst quake directly affected thousands people. The strong quake also shook Pakistan, however, no loss was reported so far.
The Taliban government said it has launched rescue operation to help the people in quake affected areas. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the prime minister office has formed a special committee to aid the victims. “Earthquake destroyed 5412 home,” said Mujahid.
Rescue teams are trying to reach difficult mountain areas and isolated villages affected by what is being described as worst quake of the year.
Afghanistan, one of the poorest countries in the world, is vulnerable to quakes because it lies at the juncture of Eurasian, Indian plates. Quake struck 17 miles from Jalalabad near border with Afghanistan, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Earthquake in Pakistan:
The quake jolted parts of Pakistan, with media reports putting its magnitude at 6.0 on the Richter scale. Initial reports said the quake affected Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. They described 15 km from Kuz Kunar, Afghanistan as the centre of the earthquake· Powerful quake hit Pakistan at around 12:18 am on Monday.
People in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore felt jolts and many came out of their homes in panic.
Pakistan Metrological Department’s (PMD) National Seismic Monitoring Centre stated that the earthquake hit Pakistan at 12:18am with a magnitude of 6. It described southeastern Afghanistan as its epicentre. Scientists recorded jolts 15km below the surface in Hindu Kush mountain range.
People felt jolts in Peshawar, Muree Mardan, Murree, Chakwal, Taxila and Wah Cantt. Media reports jolts in Attock, Swabi, Bajaur, Swat and other parts. People experiences tremors in Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat and other parts of Punjab. And in Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram and Kohistan.
Media reports have reported no loss of life and other damages in earthquake in Pakistan.
