Dozens Of People Injured After A 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hit Afghanistan, Pakistan And Tajikistan
Over 30 people were injured after a strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan, near the borders of Pakistan and Tajikistan, on Saturday. US Geological Survey said the epicenter of the earthquake was found 80 kilometers southeast of Feyzabad in the mountainous border region, as reported by VOA News Friday.
Houses and walls collapsed after the quake took place shortly after midnight. Reports have revealed that the earthquake was felt in the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, as well as in the Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
Meanwhile, doctors and rescue officials said a total of 41 individuals suffered from injuries and were rushed to hospitals.
Pakistani official Ghulam Rasool said the earthquake lasted for 59 seconds, as noted by The Associated Press Saturday. Although the official claimed it was a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, the US Geological Survey measured the quake at 6.2.
In October, hundreds of people were killed by a strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck in the same area, while thousands of people were killed after an earthquake hit Nepal in April.
Reports have revealed that the earthquake on Saturday has caused panicked among the residents of Kabul and Islamabad. People immediately ran into the streets after feeling the shaking of the ground, while some stayed at home and prayed with the family.
Sahiba Khan said she was reading when she felt the earthquake. The 18-year-old student said she and her family gathered together and recited verses from the Quran amid the quake.
On the other hand, Pakistan's disaster management authority head, Hamid Nawaz said they are still in the process of examining the damage brought about by the strong earthquake. The official also confirmed that the quake crumpled homes and walls in Pakistan city of Peshawar, however, he did not divulge further details.
