Oct 26, 2015

7.7 magnitude earthquake rocks South Asia, epicentre in Afghanistan

10/26/2015
massive earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale today jolted north India, with panic-stricken people rushing out of houses and buildings that shook during the temblor lasting almost a minute. According to reports, four people have been killed in north-western Pakistan. Pakistani rescue officials say a powerful earthquake struck neighbouring Afghanistan shaking the capital Kabul and killing at least 24 people while 76 were killed in neighbouring Pakistan.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 and occurred at a depth of 212 kilometres (130 miles) with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan. It struck at around 2.40 PM, sending ripples across several states like Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR), Punjab, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
The NDRF has been put on alert and 24 battalions are ready for deployment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern and said India was ready to provide any assistance required. Pakistan’s military has been activated without waiting for formal orders.
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