Strong Earthquake Wrecks Severe Damage Near Afghanistan-Pakistan Border

The U.S. Geological Survey has said that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck southern Asia on Monday afternoon. The epicenter was 45 kilometers (28 miles) south-southwest of Jarm, Afghanistan, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of Afghanistan, said in a tweet. "Reports coming of damage and injuries in north eastern Afghanistan," adding, "Disasters authorities to meet within the hour and respond to the needs."

CNN teams in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan all felt strong tremors as USGS map showed that shaking traveled into Tajikistan as well. The quake's epicenter was at a depth of 213.5 kilometers (132.7 miles).

 

In northwestern Pakistan, at least 12 people were killed, including one in the city of Peshawar, according to government officials. Injured people were pouring into Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital, an official said.