Earthquake hits Afghanistan

Tremors were felt across north-western areas of Pakistan after a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan's border area with Tajikistan on Saturday. The epicenter of the earthquake was reported near Ashkasham area in Afghanistan at a depth of 114.9 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey. However, Pakistan's local meteorological department reported the magnitude of the earthquake at 5.6 on the Richtre scale with its epicentre located in northern Afghanistan at a depth of 80 kilometres. The tremors were felt in Chitral, Swat and Lower Dir areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province situated in the northwestern part of Pakistan. No reports of casualties or damage were received till the filing of this report.