JUST IN: Earthquake Hits Afghanistan, Claims Over 280 Lives; Tremors Felt in Pakistan

[ODUNEWS] June 22- An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 hit parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the early hours of Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

 

At least 280 people were killed in the earthquake in Afghanistan, authorities said. Information remained scarce on the magnitude 6 temblor that struck Paktika province, but it comes as the international community largely has left Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country last year amid the chaotic withdrawal of the US military from the longest war in its history.

 

That likely will complicate any relief efforts for this country of 38 million people. According to The USGS, the quake struck about 44 km (27 miles) from the city of Khost in southeastern Afghanistan and was at a depth of 51 km. However, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The shaking was felt over a range of some 500 km by about 119 million people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, said the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) Pakistan media reported a mild intensity earthquake struck Islamabad and other parts of the country.

 

“Massive EARTHQUAKE in Islamabad! Allah Khair! I hope you’re all safe! Allah Taala protects us all. Amen,” tweeted a user from Pakistan. Reports claim that the tremors were also felt in Lahore, Multan, Quetta and several other areas of Pakistan. The Namal reported that the earthquake was felt for a few seconds and sent people scurrying into the streets. No loss of life and property was reported. Last Friday, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake jolted several Pakistani cities including Islamabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Multan. The shocks were also recorded in Faisalabad, Abbottabad, Swat, Buner, Kohat and Malakand, Geo News reported.