Strong Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush Region, Tremors Felt in Pakistan

A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on Saturday, sending tremors across the Afghan capital Kabul and neighbouring Pakistan, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

There were no immediate official reports of deaths or major damage in Afghanistan, while authorities continued assessing the situation, Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said.

The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.0 and occurred at a depth of about 100 kilometres (62 miles), the EMSC reported.

Earlier the same day, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit Pakistan, injuring more than 20 people and damaging dozens of homes in parts of Musakhail district, officials said.

Pakistan’s disaster management authorities reported that around 125 houses were damaged and relief teams were sent with tents, food supplies, solar panels, blankets and other emergency materials.

Residents in Swat district, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said people rushed out of their homes in fear after feeling strong shaking.

“It was very strong in Swat and lasted for quite a long time,” resident Daniyal Ahmad told Reuters, adding that women and children were seen crying in panic.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the damage and ordered authorities to provide urgent assistance to affected communities.

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