ISLAMABAD: A powerful earthquake shook major cities of Pakistan while killing over 600 people and leaving more than 1,500 injured in the eastern region of Afghanistan.
In Pakistan the 6.0 magnitude earthquake tremors jolted Islamabad along with Rawalpindi, Lahore, Murree, Mardan, Gujrat, Haripur, Swabi on late Sunday.
The tremors caused people to rush out of their homes in fear, many reciting Kalma-e-Tayyaba, however no loss of life and property has been reported so far.
Meanwhile the strong earthquake has caused severe damaging in the neighbouring Afghanistan. Over 250 people were killed and 500 injured in the a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, the country’s Information Ministry told Turkey’s Anadolu.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at 1917 GMT, located 27 kilometres east-northeast of Jalalabad at a depth of 8 kilometres.
A ministry official confirmed that casualties have been reported in Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapa Dara districts of Kunar province.
He said the figures for the number of dead and injured are not final because officials are still communicating with local residents in many remote areas, and aid teams are on their way.
Roads leading to Dewa Gul in Sawki district and Mazar Dara in Nur Gul district have been blocked due to landslides, causing difficulties for rescue teams to reach the affected areas, he added.
Locals described it as one of the most powerful earthquakes to have hit the country.
Afghanistan interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the earthquake caused casualties.
“Sadly, tonight’s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces,” he wrote on X.
Mujahid said local officials and residents are engaged in rescue efforts, with support teams from central and nearby provinces heading to the area.
“All available resources will be utilised to save lives,” he added.
At least two other earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.2 struck the same area following the major one, according to the USGS.
Also read: Strong earthquake jolts Islamabad
