Earthquake Of Magnitude 6.3 Shakes J&K, Punjab, Haryana; Epicenter In Pakistan

A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit several areas of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Sunday.

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Center in Islamabad, the epicenter of the earthquake was in the border region between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and its depth of 223 km meant that it had a significantly less fatal effect.

Mild earthquake tremors were also felt in Punjab and Haryana. Apart from these two states, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was also affected by the earthquake, which struck near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region.

The magnitude of the earthquake was initially estimated at 6.3 on the Richter scale. Affected countries include India, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, China, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

According to the local meteorological department in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an earthquake measuring 4.9 magnitude was recorded in the region. Seismologists reported that the brief tremors began at about 11:23 a.m. and lasted for several seconds.

Seismologists predicted that aftershocks could occur in the coming hours or days and suggested avoiding the damaged areas. "If not necessary, stay away from damaged areas for your safety. Be careful and follow the information of national authorities," seismologists said. No damage has been reported yet.

According to reports, the deadliest earthquake to hit the region in recent years occurred in Fayzabad, Afghanistan on December 28, 1974. The deadliest earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, claimed 5,300 lives. Another devastating earthquake on 30 May 1998 claimed 4,000 lives, and on 2 April 1998, 2,323 people were killed in an earthquake in the region.

Pakistan often witnesses earthquakes of varying strength. It's most devastating earthquake in 2005 killed more than 74,000 people.