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| Pakistan and Afghanistan rocked by earthquake – as it happened | |
| (2 months later) | |
| 3.55pm GMT15:55 | |
| Afternoon summary | |
| Here’s a summary of all the news so far: | |
| We’re closing the liveblog now. If you are in Afghanistan, India or Pakistan and you experienced the earthquake, you can still contact the Guardian using Whatsapp on+447867825056. | |
| Updated at 4.01pm GMT | |
| 3.50pm GMT15:50 | |
| Public figures and aid workers from around the world have been tweeting about today’s tragedy. | |
| From Indian actor Anupam Kher: | |
| Feeling Sad for the loss of lives in Pakistan due to earthquake. May God give courage to the families who lost their dear ones. #Unfortunate | |
| From the European commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, Christos Stylianides: | |
| My thoughts are with victims & families of the #earthquake in #Afghanistan & #Pakistan Closely following the situation. #EU ready 2 help. | |
| From US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee: | |
| My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of all those killed in the terrible earthquake in southern Asia. | |
| Updated at 4.00pm GMT | |
| 3.39pm GMT15:39 | |
| Google has launched a “person finder” since the earthquake, allowing people to search for missing persons or provide information about them. | |
| Updated at 3.46pm GMT | |
| 3.30pm GMT15:30 | |
| MSF India is now tweeting that it fears landslides following days of heavy rain. | |
| #Earthquake #Pakistan - Following four days of heavy rain @MSF fears landslides | |
| 3.13pm GMT15:13 | |
| This UN map shows the effects of today’s quake. | |
| This @UNOCHA map shows the effects of the #earthquake in #Afghanistan, #Pakistan & #India https://t.co/Invo8Jd1BN pic.twitter.com/goQG8UR1t6 | |
| 3.03pm GMT15:03 | |
| A TV presenter in Afghanistan leaves his desk in the middle of a news bulletin as a powerful earthquake strikes. The studio in Kabul starts to shake and the presenter, who looks increasingly alarmed, gets up from his chair and leaves the studio. | |
| Updated at 3.06pm GMT | |
| 3.00pm GMT15:00 | |
| Amateur footage, first published by ARY News, appears to show the Metro bridge in Rawalpindi, northern Pakistan, shaking as a powerful earthquake hit south Asia on Monday. | |
| 2.49pm GMT14:49 | |
| Plan International’s emergencies specialist, Naima Chohan, who lives in Islamabad, has said she felt the earthquake: | |
| There was a big tremor in Islamabad and it lasted for a minute. The lamps and fans were shaking. | |
| When I went outside, people were standing outside on the road. Many were too scared to go back in. They were remembering the 2005 earthquake that devastated parts of Pakistan 10 years ago and the aftershocks that followed. That’s what we are most scared of now. | |
| Updated at 3.05pm GMT | |
| 2.45pm GMT14:45 | |
| Médecins Sans Frontières has said staff and patients in Pakistan were temporarily evacuated. | |
| Pakistan #Earthquake: our staff & patients were evacuated but have since returned. We are assessing needs in region | |
| 2.30pm GMT14:30 | |
| Slate’s Eric Holthaus cites US geological survey predictions that the quake may have killed thousands. | |
| Afghanistan/Pakistan #earthquake may have killed thousands. Latest USGS estimate: https://t.co/BuNrShSbby pic.twitter.com/PwMhyskSQZ | |
| 2.27pm GMT14:27 | |
| Rashid Javed, Plan International’s country director for Pakistan, has warned of aftershocks, saying: | |
| After an earthquake like this, access to clean water and proper sanitation are vital. People also need to be aware of the dangers of aftershocks, especially as they are being repeatedly felt across the region. | |
| Earthquakes can disrupt or destroy critical infrastructure and that is why it is important to invest in this infrastructure and local buildings before disaster strikes. | |
| The earthquake has hit many rural areas, where it is essential to work in partnership with local organisations as they are the first ones to respond to a crisis like this. | |
| Updated at 3.04pm GMT | |
| 2.16pm GMT14:16 | |
| Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, has been tweeting about a conversation he had with Ashraf Ghani, the president of Afghanistan. He makes reference to the 12 Afghan schoolgirls who lost their lives while trying to get out of swaying buildings. | |
| I just spoke to President @ashrafghani and expressed my sympathies & condolences at the damage caused by the earthquake. | |
| President @AshrafGhani shared with me his initial assessment of the damage. I offered all possible assistance. | |
| President @ashrafghani told me due to the quake a school building collapsed & children lost their lives. I was very pained to hear of this. | |
| When President @ashrafghani was telling me about the school, my mind went back to a similar tragedy in Anjar, Kutch in 2001. Felt very sad. | |
| Updated at 3.02pm GMT | |
| 2.12pm GMT14:12 | |
| At least 180 people killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan – reports | |
| Pakistani officials say the death toll in their country has risen to 145, bringing the overall total to at least 180. | |
| Inayatullah Khan, Pakistan’s rural minister, told the Associated Press the death toll in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alone has jumped to 121. | |
| Updated at 3.02pm GMT | |
| 2.09pm GMT14:09 | |
| Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif to fly home from London | |
| The Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, is to cut short a visit to London to return to Pakistan. His daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, tweeted that her father would be leaving for Pakistan shortly. | |
| At a loss of words to express my grief on the sad day. May Allah protect our beloved homeland. PM Sharif will be leaving for Pak shortly. | |
| Prayers for those who lost their lives and their loved ones. May Allah heal the injured. Heart goes out to all affected. | |
| Updated at 3.01pm GMT | |
| 1.57pm GMT13:57 | |
| Kabul residents assess and attempt to fix the damage caused by a powerful earthquake that has affected Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of India. | |
| Updated at 2.56pm GMT | |
| 1.52pm GMT13:52 | |
| Mark Tran | |
| A newsreader at Ariana TV has to leave his desk as the tremors hit Kabul. | |
| Updated at 2.03pm GMT | |
| 1.44pm GMT13:44 | |
| Mark Tran | |
| State-run Pakistani TV says 94 people have died in Pakistan as a result of the earthquake, bringing the region-wide toll from the disaster to 129, AP reports. Afghan officials have said 33 people have died in Afghanistan – where the earthquake was centred – including 12 schoolgirls who were trampled to death while trying to get out of swaying buildings. Another two people died in India-controlled parts of the disputed Kashmir region. | |
| Updated at 2.02pm GMT | |
| 1.08pm GMT13:08 | |
| Carmen Fishwick | |
| Shabbir Shah, an 18-year-old student, captured footage of a landslide in Gupis, Pakistan, moments after the 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit. | |
| He spoke to Carmen Fishwick on the phone and via Whatsapp from Gupis, roughly 1,000km from the epicentre of the earthquake. | |
| When the earthquake happened the mountain started falling down and buildings all around also fell. At that time everyone was on the road watching out for our deaths. We thought today was our last day. Nearby a children’s school was crying loudly. There are around 15 injured people, but I do not know of any deaths. | |
| Now all the roads are blocked. Life is more difficult for those of us between mountains in these situations. We have no power, and I have no way of charging my mobile phone. We have no light, no petrol, no gas, no transport and no proper medical treatment. Some people are in need and need proper medical treatment. I’m at a canteen with a buddy taking a cup of tea and just waiting for the latest updates. It’s okay at the moment, but we are not feeling safe. | |
| Updated at 1.14pm GMT | |
| 1.02pm GMT13:02 | |
| This video shows the metro bus track in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, shaking as the tremor hit. | |
| Metro #Rawalpindi at the time of #EarthquakeInPakistan pic.twitter.com/AjFhFHKE01 | |
| 12.59pm GMT12:59 | |
| At least 100 people killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan – reports | |
| Reuters is now saying at least 100 people have been killed in the earthquake. These include 24 in Afghanistan and 76 in Pakistan. | |
| The death toll could climb in coming days because communications were down in much of the rugged Hindu Kush mountain range area where the quake was centred. | |
| Updated at 1.19pm GMT | |
| 12.52pm GMT12:52 | |
| Bollywood star King Mika Singh has tweeted his thoughts. | |
| Just heard about the earthquake hope everyone is ok from #delhi #Punjab and #Pakistan 🙏🙏🙏🙏.. May God bless you always. | |
| Updated at 12.56pm GMT | |
| 12.42pm GMT12:42 | 12.42pm GMT12:42 |
| According to an Iranian news agency, Iran is ready to send aid to Afghanistan and Pakistan. | According to an Iranian news agency, Iran is ready to send aid to Afghanistan and Pakistan. |
| #Iran's #redcrescentsociety says it is ready to send aid and #rescue teams to #Afghanistan and #Pakistan after #EarthQuakeInPakistan | #Iran's #redcrescentsociety says it is ready to send aid and #rescue teams to #Afghanistan and #Pakistan after #EarthQuakeInPakistan |
| 12.34pm GMT12:34 | 12.34pm GMT12:34 |
| Islamabad residents and office workers stand in the street after Monday’s earthquake. | |
| Updated at 1.08pm GMT | |
| 12.23pm GMT12:23 | 12.23pm GMT12:23 |
| Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of Afghanistan, has said that the earthquake was “the strongest one felt in recent decades”. He also urged people to stay outdoors for fears of aftershocks. | |
| Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah: today's earthquake was the strongest one felt in the recent decades. 1 | Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah: today's earthquake was the strongest one felt in the recent decades. 1 |
| There are reports of heavy casualties caused by the quake but, exact numbers are yet to be release by relevant government entities.2 | There are reports of heavy casualties caused by the quake but, exact numbers are yet to be release by relevant government entities.2 |
| At least 11 school students were killed while trying to exit the building in Takhar Province. Many others are injured in the same province.3 | At least 11 school students were killed while trying to exit the building in Takhar Province. Many others are injured in the same province.3 |
| To avoid further damages and casualties, we have asked people to stay outdoors as there is still fear of aftershocks. 4 | To avoid further damages and casualties, we have asked people to stay outdoors as there is still fear of aftershocks. 4 |
| We have received reports of damages and casualties from eastern and northern provinces of the country. 6 | We have received reports of damages and casualties from eastern and northern provinces of the country. 6 |
| Some mobile networks are down and we are still figuring out to main our contacts with the provinces we couldn't contact so far. 7 | Some mobile networks are down and we are still figuring out to main our contacts with the provinces we couldn't contact so far. 7 |
| Government is working to provide first aids for those affected by the quake. Our international partners are helping with that cause. 8 | Government is working to provide first aids for those affected by the quake. Our international partners are helping with that cause. 8 |
| Ministry of Health and Security Institutions are ordered to assess the numbers of casualties and speed the process for medical aids.9 | Ministry of Health and Security Institutions are ordered to assess the numbers of casualties and speed the process for medical aids.9 |
| We have asked aid agencies to work with Afghan Government, help those in need and come up with their relief packages.10 | We have asked aid agencies to work with Afghan Government, help those in need and come up with their relief packages.10 |
| Updated at 1.08pm GMT | |
| 12.11pm GMT12:11 | 12.11pm GMT12:11 |
| In a statistical prediction on its website, the US geological survey said there is a one-third chance the number of fatalities will climb to between 100 and 1,000 people, with several million dollars’ worth of damage likely to have been caused. | |
| Arbab Muhammad Asim, district mayor for Pakistan’s north-western city of Peshawar, said more than 100 people had been injured there alone. “Many houses and buildings have collapsed in the city,” he said. | |
| Dr Muhammad Sadiq, head of emergency services at a government hospital in Peshawar, confirmed the number of injuries. “Many more injured are still coming to hospital. Many are still under rubble,” Sadiq told AFP. | |
| Afghanistan’s chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, said reports of damage and injuries were coming in from the nation’s north-east. “Disaster authorities to meet within the hour and respond to the needs,” he tweeted. | |
| Traffic came to a stop in downtown Kabul, with frightened people getting out of their cars as they waited for the quake to pass. Delhi’s metro also ground to a halt. “All of around 190 trains plying on the tracks were stopped at the time of the earthquake. The lines and the trains are now being restored after basic inspection of respective lines,” Anuj Dayal, a Delhi Metro spokesman, said. | Traffic came to a stop in downtown Kabul, with frightened people getting out of their cars as they waited for the quake to pass. Delhi’s metro also ground to a halt. “All of around 190 trains plying on the tracks were stopped at the time of the earthquake. The lines and the trains are now being restored after basic inspection of respective lines,” Anuj Dayal, a Delhi Metro spokesman, said. |
| Updated at 1.10pm GMT | |
| 12.06pm GMT12:06 | 12.06pm GMT12:06 |
| At least 70 dead in Afghanistan and Pakistan - reports | At least 70 dead in Afghanistan and Pakistan - reports |
| AFP is reporting the following deaths: | AFP is reporting the following deaths: |
| Updated at 1.11pm GMT | |
| 11.49am GMT11:49 | 11.49am GMT11:49 |
| Here are some more photos from Twitter which users say were taken in the aftermath of today’s earthquake. | Here are some more photos from Twitter which users say were taken in the aftermath of today’s earthquake. |
| #AFGearthquake damaged intrance doors of #Ghazni province #earthquake pic.twitter.com/634Aph2wzr | #AFGearthquake damaged intrance doors of #Ghazni province #earthquake pic.twitter.com/634Aph2wzr |
| A friend sent this image of his house from Gilgit Baltistan, Cracks appeared #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/fxGq6YToHV | A friend sent this image of his house from Gilgit Baltistan, Cracks appeared #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/fxGq6YToHV |
| 11.36am GMT11:36 | 11.36am GMT11:36 |
| International aid organisation CARE has said it is very concerned by the earthquake’s impact on poor and vulnerable people, particularly internally displaced people in Afghanistan. Christina Northey, CARE country director in Afghanistan, said: | International aid organisation CARE has said it is very concerned by the earthquake’s impact on poor and vulnerable people, particularly internally displaced people in Afghanistan. Christina Northey, CARE country director in Afghanistan, said: |
| Obviously the situation is going to be much worse for poor and vulnerable people, particularly those who have been displaced by the conflict. Plus winter is starting and there has been a noticeable drop in temperature over the past few days. | Obviously the situation is going to be much worse for poor and vulnerable people, particularly those who have been displaced by the conflict. Plus winter is starting and there has been a noticeable drop in temperature over the past few days. |
| Updated at 1.06pm GMT | |
| 11.35am GMT11:35 | 11.35am GMT11:35 |
| British experts have been providing further information and context regarding today’s earthquake. Dr Ilan Kelman, reader in risk, resilience and global health at UCL, said: | |
| Communications appear to have gone down in the worst-affected areas, so it will be some time before we know the full impact. In the meantime, at this stage in the hours afterwards, it will be the locals rescuing people from the rubble, treating the injured, setting up temporary shelter, and catering for immediate physical and psycho-social needs. This situation illustrates the importance of local training for disaster response and of disaster education for everyone, from before kindergarten until after retirement. | Communications appear to have gone down in the worst-affected areas, so it will be some time before we know the full impact. In the meantime, at this stage in the hours afterwards, it will be the locals rescuing people from the rubble, treating the injured, setting up temporary shelter, and catering for immediate physical and psycho-social needs. This situation illustrates the importance of local training for disaster response and of disaster education for everyone, from before kindergarten until after retirement. |
| David Rothery, professor of planetary geosciences at the Open University, said: | David Rothery, professor of planetary geosciences at the Open University, said: |
| Today’s earthquake in the Hindu Kush region of north-east Afghanistan was a result of the northward collision of India with central Asia. With a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale it had the potential to be very damaging but fortunately it occurred at a depth of more than 200km [as they usually are in this area] and so the shaking of the ground surface was less than it would have been for a shallower earthquake of the same magnitude. [The Ghorka earthquake in Nepal on 25 April was magnitude 7.8 and only 8km deep]. | |
| Even so, poorly constructed homes may have been badly damaged, and in such a mountainous region landslides could have occurred. | |
| Updated at 1.04pm GMT | |
| 11.29am GMT11:29 | 11.29am GMT11:29 |
| At least 43 people killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan – reports | |
| Reports are now coming in that 29 people have been killed in north-western Pakistan alone. Rescue official Latifir Rehman said 21 people were killed and 200 were injured in various parts of the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. | |
| Another official, Fiaz Khan, said at least eight people were killed and 70 injured in the Bajur tribal region bordering Afghanistan. | |
| Pakistani rescue official says 29 people killed in northwestern Pakistan by #earthquake (latest from @AP) | Pakistani rescue official says 29 people killed in northwestern Pakistan by #earthquake (latest from @AP) |
| Updated at 1.00pm GMT | |
| 11.16am GMT11:16 | 11.16am GMT11:16 |
| Here is a map of the epicentre of the earthquake. | Here is a map of the epicentre of the earthquake. |
| 11.07am GMT11:07 | 11.07am GMT11:07 |
| The Washington Post’s Tim Craig reports that the earthquake hit a region of Pakistan that is still dealing with a snowstorm that had trapped hundreds of motorists. | The Washington Post’s Tim Craig reports that the earthquake hit a region of Pakistan that is still dealing with a snowstorm that had trapped hundreds of motorists. |
| In Pakistan, earthquake hit as northern areas of country still dealing with freak October snowstorm, which had trapped hundreds of motorists | In Pakistan, earthquake hit as northern areas of country still dealing with freak October snowstorm, which had trapped hundreds of motorists |
| Updated at 12.01pm GMT | Updated at 12.01pm GMT |
| 10.58am GMT10:58 | 10.58am GMT10:58 |
| At least 29 people killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan, reports say | At least 29 people killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan, reports say |
| Various hospitals and government officials are reporting death and injury rates. | Various hospitals and government officials are reporting death and injury rates. |
| On top of five people reportedly killed in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, the Associated Press reports that at least 12 students at a girls’ school died in a stampede as they tried to get out of their school in Takhar province, west of Badakahshan. | On top of five people reportedly killed in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, the Associated Press reports that at least 12 students at a girls’ school died in a stampede as they tried to get out of their school in Takhar province, west of Badakahshan. |
| Sonatullah Taimor, spokesman for the provincial governor, said another 30 girls have been taken to hospital in the provincial capital of Taloqan. | Sonatullah Taimor, spokesman for the provincial governor, said another 30 girls have been taken to hospital in the provincial capital of Taloqan. |
| Government officials in Pakistan have said at least 12 people were killed in the north-west of the country. Injured people were reportedly pouring into Peshawar’s Lady Reading hospital. “We received 50 injured and more are being shifted. The injured suffered multiple injuries due to building collapse,” hospital spokesman Syed Jamil Shah told Reuters. | Government officials in Pakistan have said at least 12 people were killed in the north-west of the country. Injured people were reportedly pouring into Peshawar’s Lady Reading hospital. “We received 50 injured and more are being shifted. The injured suffered multiple injuries due to building collapse,” hospital spokesman Syed Jamil Shah told Reuters. |
| Updated at 12.32pm GMT | Updated at 12.32pm GMT |
| 10.49am GMT10:49 | 10.49am GMT10:49 |
| Five reported dead in Afghanistan | Five reported dead in Afghanistan |
| The head of Nangarhar provincial hospital has said five people have died in Afghanistan, with 55 people injured. | The head of Nangarhar provincial hospital has said five people have died in Afghanistan, with 55 people injured. |
| Updated at 10.58am GMT | Updated at 10.58am GMT |
| 10.31am GMT10:31 | 10.31am GMT10:31 |
| Here are some photographs and footage of what is purported to be the aftermath of the quake. | Here are some photographs and footage of what is purported to be the aftermath of the quake. |
| EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: People in Noida rush out of offices as #earthquake tremors rocked the capital pic.twitter.com/tn6py68MMM | EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: People in Noida rush out of offices as #earthquake tremors rocked the capital pic.twitter.com/tn6py68MMM |
| #earthquake: Students of #AmityUniversity in #Noida rush out of classrooms after tremors were felt across #Delhi NCR pic.twitter.com/FXpJ1TU312 | #earthquake: Students of #AmityUniversity in #Noida rush out of classrooms after tremors were felt across #Delhi NCR pic.twitter.com/FXpJ1TU312 |
| #earthquake: #delhimetro services halted after tremors were felt in #Delhi #NCR region today. (Pic via @ndtvindia) pic.twitter.com/iODg8YdzJ4 | #earthquake: #delhimetro services halted after tremors were felt in #Delhi #NCR region today. (Pic via @ndtvindia) pic.twitter.com/iODg8YdzJ4 |
| JUST IN: #earthquake image from #Kashmir (via @ahmermkhan) pic.twitter.com/tZspqxaiPg | JUST IN: #earthquake image from #Kashmir (via @ahmermkhan) pic.twitter.com/tZspqxaiPg |
| JUST IN: Image from #Hunza where an entire glacier has come falling down. (via @FarhanKVirk) #earthquake pic.twitter.com/pgK3x9oDtu | JUST IN: Image from #Hunza where an entire glacier has come falling down. (via @FarhanKVirk) #earthquake pic.twitter.com/pgK3x9oDtu |
| Updated at 10.46am GMT | Updated at 10.46am GMT |
| 10.27am GMT10:27 | 10.27am GMT10:27 |
| Four deaths reported in Pakistan | Four deaths reported in Pakistan |
| The full extent of the damage and the number of possible casualties is not yet known. Pakistani officials have reported four deaths, and an official in Badakhshan said there were reports of casualties and destruction. | The full extent of the damage and the number of possible casualties is not yet known. Pakistani officials have reported four deaths, and an official in Badakhshan said there were reports of casualties and destruction. |
| Dr Muhammad Sadiq, head of emergency services at a government hospital in Pakistan’s northern Swat valley, told AFP that more than 100 people were injured. | Dr Muhammad Sadiq, head of emergency services at a government hospital in Pakistan’s northern Swat valley, told AFP that more than 100 people were injured. |
| Pakistani state television said at least one person died when the roof of a home collapsed in the eastern city of Kasur. | Pakistani state television said at least one person died when the roof of a home collapsed in the eastern city of Kasur. |
| Updated at 11.00am GMT | Updated at 11.00am GMT |
| 10.16am GMT10:16 | 10.16am GMT10:16 |
| The region where the earthquake struck has a history of powerful tremors. This is a result of the Indian subcontinent driving into and under the Eurasian landmass. Such tectonic shifts can cause enormous and destructive releases of energy. | The region where the earthquake struck has a history of powerful tremors. This is a result of the Indian subcontinent driving into and under the Eurasian landmass. Such tectonic shifts can cause enormous and destructive releases of energy. |
| In 2005, a magnitude 7.6 quake in Pakistan-administered Kashmir killed more than 75,000 people. | In 2005, a magnitude 7.6 quake in Pakistan-administered Kashmir killed more than 75,000 people. |
| In April this year, Nepal suffered its worst earthquake on record with 9,000 people killed and about 900,000 homes damaged or destroyed. | In April this year, Nepal suffered its worst earthquake on record with 9,000 people killed and about 900,000 homes damaged or destroyed. |
| Updated at 12.32pm GMT | Updated at 12.32pm GMT |
| 10.08am GMT10:08 | 10.08am GMT10:08 |
| The provincial director of the national disaster management authority, Abdullah Humayoon Dehqan, has said “there are reports of casualties and destruction” in some remote districts of Badakhshan. | The provincial director of the national disaster management authority, Abdullah Humayoon Dehqan, has said “there are reports of casualties and destruction” in some remote districts of Badakhshan. |
| The Associated Press reports that power was cut across much of Kabul, where tremors were felt for about 45 seconds. Houses shook, walls cracked and cars rolled in the street. Officials in the capital could not be immediately reached as telephones appeared to be cut off across the country. | The Associated Press reports that power was cut across much of Kabul, where tremors were felt for about 45 seconds. Houses shook, walls cracked and cars rolled in the street. Officials in the capital could not be immediately reached as telephones appeared to be cut off across the country. |
| In Pakistan, Zahid Rafiq, an official with the meteorological department, said the quake was felt across the country. In Islamabad, buildings shook and people poured into the streets in a panic, with many reciting verses from the Qur’an. | In Pakistan, Zahid Rafiq, an official with the meteorological department, said the quake was felt across the country. In Islamabad, buildings shook and people poured into the streets in a panic, with many reciting verses from the Qur’an. |
| “I was praying when the massive earthquake rattled my home. I came out in a panic,” said Munir Anwar, a resident of Liaquat Pur in the eastern Punjab province. | “I was praying when the massive earthquake rattled my home. I came out in a panic,” said Munir Anwar, a resident of Liaquat Pur in the eastern Punjab province. |
| The quake was also felt in the Indian capital, Delhi, though no damage was immediately reported. Office buildings swayed and workers who had just returned from lunch ran out of buildings and gathered in the street or in parking lots. | The quake was also felt in the Indian capital, Delhi, though no damage was immediately reported. Office buildings swayed and workers who had just returned from lunch ran out of buildings and gathered in the street or in parking lots. |
| Updated at 11.40am GMT | Updated at 11.40am GMT |
| 10.00am GMT10:00 | 10.00am GMT10:00 |
| Are you in Afghanistan, India or Pakistan? Did you experience the earthquake? You can contact the Guardian using Whatsapp on +447867825056, but please stay safe. | Are you in Afghanistan, India or Pakistan? Did you experience the earthquake? You can contact the Guardian using Whatsapp on +447867825056, but please stay safe. |
| Terms and conditions here. | Terms and conditions here. |
| 9.58am GMT09:58 | 9.58am GMT09:58 |
| The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, has tweeted about the earthquake. He said he is praying for everyone’s safety. | The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, has tweeted about the earthquake. He said he is praying for everyone’s safety. |
| Heard about strong earthquake in Afghanistan-Pakistan region whose tremors have been felt in parts of India. I pray for everyone's safety. | Heard about strong earthquake in Afghanistan-Pakistan region whose tremors have been felt in parts of India. I pray for everyone's safety. |
| I have asked for an urgent assessment and we stand ready for assistance where required, including Afghanistan & Pakistan. | I have asked for an urgent assessment and we stand ready for assistance where required, including Afghanistan & Pakistan. |
| Updated at 9.59am GMT | Updated at 9.59am GMT |
| 9.55am GMT09:55 | 9.55am GMT09:55 |
| The US geological survey is reporting that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.5. It struck at 9:09 am near the cities of: | The US geological survey is reporting that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.5. It struck at 9:09 am near the cities of: |
| 9.51am GMT09:51 | 9.51am GMT09:51 |
| Social media users are posting images of what appears to be the aftermath of the earthquake. The full extent of the damage and the number of possible casualties is not yet known. | Social media users are posting images of what appears to be the aftermath of the earthquake. The full extent of the damage and the number of possible casualties is not yet known. |
| Earthquake tremors now in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/4x5XAfKHYy | Earthquake tremors now in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/4x5XAfKHYy |
| People out on the roads ! #Earthquake #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/G04eaQcDXw | People out on the roads ! #Earthquake #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/G04eaQcDXw |
| 9.47am GMT09:47 | 9.47am GMT09:47 |
| Vineet Gahlot, director of seismology at the Indian Meteorological Department, has told the Associated Press that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and an epicentre deep in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. | Vineet Gahlot, director of seismology at the Indian Meteorological Department, has told the Associated Press that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and an epicentre deep in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. |
| Pakistan state TV reported the same magnitude. | Pakistan state TV reported the same magnitude. |
| 9.46am GMT09:46 | |
| Summary | Summary |
| A major earthquake has struck south Asia, with tremors felt in northern Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. | A major earthquake has struck south Asia, with tremors felt in northern Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. |
| More than two minutes of sustained tremors were felt in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. The quake also hit the cities of Lahore, Faisalabad and the mountainous region of Chitral. | More than two minutes of sustained tremors were felt in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. The quake also hit the cities of Lahore, Faisalabad and the mountainous region of Chitral. |
| Office workers reportedly poured out of their buildings, including in the Afghan capital of Kabul where UN workers rushed outside to safety. | Office workers reportedly poured out of their buildings, including in the Afghan capital of Kabul where UN workers rushed outside to safety. |
| We’ll be publishing the latest updates on this liveblog. | We’ll be publishing the latest updates on this liveblog. |
| Updated at 12.32pm GMT | Updated at 12.32pm GMT |