ISLAMABAD/NEW DEHLI/KHATMANDU: A strong earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude on Richter scale was felt in many countries of South Asia on Saturday.
The tremors were last for about one and half minute and it were felt at 11:10 am according to Indian time.
U.S. Geological Survey said an earthquake with magnitude 7.5 occurred near Pokhara, Nepal
Widespread damage is being reported from Nepal as the quake epicenter was in Nepal. People were seen rushing out of their homes and offices.Many buildings in Nepal were collapsed after the earthquake.
Nepal’s Information Minister Minendra Rijal told media that there are reports of damage in and around Kathmandu but no immediate word on casualties.
The epicenter was 80 kilometers (49 mile) northwest of Kathmandu, he said. The Kathmandu Valley is densely populated with nearly 2.5 million, with the quality of buildings often poor.
Nepal’s capital, Khatmandu airport has been closed.
In many cities of Pakistan also jolted with the quake including Lahore, Sheikhupura and Peshawar .
Calcutta, Jaipur, Patna, New Delhi, Lucknow, were cities in India where the earthquake was felt. Metro train service in India was suspended after the quake..
Pakistan meteorological department said that tremors were felt in whole Himalayan region.
