A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan with its epicentre in the country’s Hindu Kush region, resulting in the deaths of 11 people and more than 160 injuries. Pakistan was also affected, with nine casualties and many buildings collapsing, while other regions such as India and Central Asia also felt the tremors. Earthquakes are common in Pakistan, and the region witnessed a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Islamabad earlier this year. The deadliest quake in Pakistan’s history killed over 74,000 people in 2005. The earthquake prompted Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to declare an emergency in the hospitals of the federal capital and instruct disaster management officials to remain vigilant to handle any situation. Meanwhile, the heads of all medical centres in Afghanistan have been instructed to prepare staff for possible casualties from the earthquake.
Powerful 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Pakistan and Afghanistan, 11 Dead
On Wednesday, a strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan with its epicentre in the country’s Hindu Kush region. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, two of whom were from Afghanistan, and more than 160 people were injured. As per media reports, the earthquake caused many buildings to collapse, and several areas, including the Delhi-National Capital Region, felt its tremors.
In Pakistan, the earthquake’s effects were felt in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, and other regions. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the earthquake’s depth was 180 kilometres. Panic-stricken citizens were seen running out of their homes onto the streets.
In addition, the earthquake caused a stampede in the markets of Rawalpindi, resulting in chaos and confusion among people. Officials reported that two women were among the nine casualties caused by the earthquake in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has declared an emergency in the hospitals of the federal capital and instructed disaster management officials to remain vigilant to handle any situation. Furthermore, the heads of all medical centres in Afghanistan have been instructed to prepare staff for possible casualties resulting from the earthquake.
Apart from Pakistan and India, tremors were also felt in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan. Earthquakes are common in Pakistan, and the country witnessed a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Islamabad earlier this year. In 2005, the deadliest quake in Pakistan’s history killed over 74,000 people.
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