Earthquake leaves dead and wounded, even shakes India and Pakistan
Kabul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - An earthquake registering 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan, India and Pakistan a few hours ago. The quake lasted about a minute and caused at least 70 deaths and more than 200 wounded in Afghanistan only. Rescuers believe that the number of victims is unfortunately likely to rise in the coming hours. Tens of thousands of people in the three countries have fled from buildings, which according to several eyewitnesses, "began to vibrate."
The earthquake originated in the mountainous area of the Hindu Kush, at a depth of 213.5 kilometers from the earth's surface. Rescue operations are complicated by the geography of the terrain, one of the least developed areas in Afghanistan and least equipped. Gul Mohammed Bidar, deputy governor of the province, has told AFP: "The lines are broken, the earthquake was very powerful. We sent a team to better understand the damage ".
At least 12 students died in an attempt to escape from a school in Taluqan,. The head of the local Education Department, Enayat Naweed, says: "Students rushed to try to leave the building. Twelve, all minors, were killed and 35 others were wounded in the stampede".
In the Pakistani city of Peshawar the quake has caused extensive damage. The national army spokesman confirmed that the military is on high alert, while the mayor of the city Arbab Muhammad Asim confirmed at least 100 injured, "Buildings and houses have collapsed."
So far, however, there have been no reports of damage from India, where the quake was felt even in Delhi. Then the subway shut down operations and thousands of people fled from the buildings. Eyewitnesses confirm that the buildings "trembled for some time" immediately after the quake.
.png)
