LIVE: Hundreds feared dead as earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan

Death toll rises to over 200 in Pakistan, 52 in Afghanistan; PM sets up crisis cell, troops deployed for rescue work

An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck Pakistan and northeastern Afghanistan on Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, sending tremors that were felt in India.

The quake was 196 km deep and centred 82 km southeast of Feyzabad in a remote area of Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountain range.

Key updates

-  Over 200 deaths reported from Pakistan with Bajaur being worst hit

-  The quake was 196 km deep and centred 82 km southeast of Feyzabad in a remote area of Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountain range.

-  The USGS initially measured the quake's intensity at 7.7 then revised it down to 7.6 and later to 7.5. Pakistan Met Dept has reported the earthquake as 8.1 on the Richter scale.

-  Tremors were felt as far as New Delhi, sending office workers scurrying onto the streets.

-  Phone and electricity lines were disrupted following the earthquake.



Death toll crosses 200

According to Express News, the number of people killed in Pakistan so far has crossed 200.



Private schools to remain closed on Tuesday

Private schools in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other parts of the country will remain closed on Tuesday owing to fear of aftershocks, All Private Schools Association has announced.

Schools in Peshawar will also remain shut.



Facebook activates 'safety check' feature

Following the earthquake, Facebook activated its safety check feature designed to check if people in the earthquake-affected areas were safe.

Read the story here.



We are in touch with NDMA: US Embassy

“We are in touch with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and are ready to provide any assistance,” said a statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad on Monday.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and those who lost loved ones throughout the region. We applaud the efforts of those who are working to bring relief to those in need and our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this tragedy.”

Our condolences to those who lost loved ones as a result of today’s #earthquake in #Pakistan & throughout the region:https://t.co/ndztJwgP79

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) October 26, 2015

Google launches tool to locate earthquake victims

In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck Pakistan and Afghanistan, Google has launched a person finder allowing individuals to post and search for their families.

Read the full story here.



Earthquake a ‘warning from Allah’: seminaries body

Pakistan’s top religious scholars urged the nation on Monday to turn to God and collectively repent for their sins as the earthquake was a ‘warning’ by God.

Read the full story here.



Indian PM calls Nawaz Sharif, offers assistance for earthquake relief

Spoke to PM Nawaz Sharif & expressed condolences on the loss of lives due to the quake. Offered all possible assistance from India.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2015

According to #PM House. Indian PM @narendramodi called PM Nawaz Sharif and offered assistance for earthquake relief.

— Abdul Manan (@manan189) October 26, 2015

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and offered assistance for earthquake relief.

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 26, 2015

Death toll now stands at 165 in Pakistan

According to Express News, the number of people killed in Pakistan so far has reached 165.



123 killed so far, says ISPR

Peshawar Corps Commander briefs army chief on damage assessment and army’s response so far as COAS arrives at Corps Headquarter Peshawar, says DG ISPR.

EQ Update:#COAS flown to some affected areas,now lands at Corps HQ Psr.Corps Comd briefed him on damage assessment,Army's response so far-4

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) October 26, 2015

ISPR has stated that the death toll from the earthquake in Pakistan is 123, while over 950 people have been injured. The highest number of casualties reported from Malakand with 74 deaths.

During the briefing, the army chief was informed that the Karakoram Highway has been blocked in five different places, stretching up to five kilometres, owing to landslides. The contingent of Frontier Works Organization has reached the spot and is busy in opening roads.

EQ Update:Medical teams reach sites for relief,#COAS directs ration provision,tents.All resources be used-8 pic.twitter.com/CvxQPtjSEX

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) October 26, 2015

The army chief directed all army troops to go to the remotest of areas to reach and help victims, according to the ISPR.

#COAS directed all Army troops to go to the remotest areas to ensure relief of every affected family,individual,extend max help-7

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) October 26, 2015

QRFs have spread out in respective areas,busy in rescue work mainly in Malakand,Dir,Chitral,Bajaur.Continuous Damage assessment under way-6

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) October 26, 2015

Death toll now stands at 140 in Pakistan

There have been reports of 140 death in Pakistan so far, Express News reports.



Six killed in Gilgit-Baltistan

At least six people including two women were killed and 20 others injured in separate incidents across Gilgit – Baltistan in earthquake related incidents on Monday.

More than 60 houses were also damaged by landslides in Fundar valley of Ghizer district in Monday’s quake that shook the mountainous region.



24 killed in Afghanistan

At least 24 people, including 12 schoolgirls, have been killed in Afghanistan so far, Reuters reports.

Video captures Metro Bus track shaking in Rawalpindi

https://twitter.com/ChalPakaMat/status/658617819693756417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw



Death toll now stands at 130

There have been reports of 130 deaths in Pakistan, according to Express News. 27 people had been killed in the Bajaur.

Residents of Peshawar city gather on streets in wake of major earthquake on October 26, 2015. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD IQBAL / EXPRESS



Karakoram Highway closed off

Following the massive earthquake, Karakoram Highway has been closed off.



President, PM expresses grief over loss of life

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have expressed condolence and grief over the loss of life and property in the calamity.

The president called for provision of best medical facilities for the injured and directed the relevant authorities to take immediate measures to rescue stranded people.

Meanwhile, the premier has directed governor Gilgit-Baltistan to immediately reach Gilgit and take charge of the rescue and relief work.

Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari has also expressed grief over the deaths and damage due to the earthquake.



124 killed, over 1,000 injured in Pakistan

As many as 124 have been reportedly killed and over 1,000 have been injured in Pakistan, Express News reports.



Chitral Police helpline numbers

Please contact Police Emergency on 15 and 0943-412959 . All Police Stations have been directed to provide assistance

— District Lower Chitral Police (@ChitralPolice) October 26, 2015

110 killed in Pakistan

Death toll in Pakistan now stands at 110, Express News reports.

People remove debris of a damaged wall on Ashraf Road in Peshawar on October 26, 2015. PHOTO: EXPRESS / MUHAMMAD IQBAL



Health ministry put all public hospitals on high alert

The federal health ministry has directed concerned provincial health departments to put all public hospitals on high alert and ensure availability of all required medicines, blood bags in hospitals and to cancel leaves of all medical staff, our correspondent Sehrish Wasif reports.

On the other hand the federal minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Saira Afzal Tarar has directed the National Health Emergency Response Cell to provide all possible assistance to provincial health departments and relief agencies.



Footage of landslide following the earthquake in Gilgit-Baltistan





'More than 100 injured in Peshawar'

Arbab Muhammad Asim, district mayor for Peshawar, said more than 100 people had been injured there alone.

"Many houses and buildings have collapsed in the city," he said.

historic mosque masjid mahabat khan minaret damged due to strong #earthquake

— JB (@JBaghwan) October 26, 2015

Dr Muhammad Sadiq, the head of emergency services at a government hospital in Peshawar said the injured were still being brought in.

"Many are still under rubble," Sadiq told AFP.

Army soldiers observe the damaged wall of a fort used by security forces after an earthquake in Peshawar on October 26, 2015. PHOTO: AFP



Army chief departs for Peshawar

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif departs for Peshawar to supervise rescue operations in earthquake-hit areas, military’s media wing ISPR says in a statement.



Video shows injured being shifted to hospitals





Sindh put on high alert

Sindh Chief Secretary Muhammad Siddiq Memon has declared "high alert" across the province.

According to a statement, all hospital, rural health centers and dispensaries have been ordered to remain functional round the clock while provincial departments must also develop strong coordination with each other in case of any serious situation.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA - Sindh) along with officials of the health department and local governments has been asked to ensure measures are adopted to reduce intensity in case of a possible calamity.



18 killed in Afghanistan 

Separately 18 people, including 12 schoolgirls, have been killed in Afghanistan so far.

Six people have been killed and 69 others have been injured in Nangahar province on Pak-Afghan border, Najeeb Kamawal, head of the local public hospital told AFP.

Afghan residents examine a damaged house after a powerful earthquake hit the Bazarak district in Panjshir province on October 26, 2015. PHOTO: AFP



55 killed, over 600 injured in Pakistan

At least 55 have been killed and over 600 have been injured in Pakistan so far, Express News reports.



K-P chief minister declares emergency in hospitals

K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has declared emergency in K-P hospitals, Express News reports.

The chief minister visited hospitals in Peshawar to oversee the arrangements being made to aid the quake victims. Khattak cancelled leaves of all paramedical staff across the province.

Swat: sms 'DCS' to 8333 or Call 09469240338 in case of emergency

— Murad Saeed (@MuradSaeedPTI) October 26, 2015

Talking to media outside the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar Khattak told media men that “There are enough medicines and paramedical staff available at all hospitals, however, anyone visiting the hospital should not try to enter the hospital premises unless absolutely necessary.”

A man walks past the rubble of a house after it was damaged by an earthquake in Mingora, Swat, Pakistan October 26, 2015. REUTERS



Reception for Geeta cancelled

In view of the massive earthquake in Pakistan and loss of lives, the reception for Geeta at Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has been cancelled.

In view of the massive earthquake in Pak and loss of lives the reception for Ms. Geeta at High Commission this evening has been cancelled.

— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) October 26, 2015

PM sets up crisis cell

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has set up a crisis cell to coordinate with all federal civil military and provincial agencies for damage assessment



K-P PDMA helpline numbers

K-P PDMA has issued the following helpline numbers:

091-9213845

091-9213959

091-9223662



Death toll jumps to 52 in Pakistan

The death toll in Pakistan has jumped to at least 52, officials told AFP.

The toll stood at least 28 in the northern tribal areas, 20 in Peshawar, three in Gilgit-Baltistan and one in Azad Kashmir, various officials told AFP.

A further 17 people were known to have died in Afghanistan.



Three killed in Shangla

Three people, including a woman and a child, were killed as a number of houses collapsed in Shangla district.

A large number of injured people were shifted to district headquarter hospital in Alpuri and Civil Hospitals in Beesham, Chaklesar and Martong areas.

Further, roads were closed for traffic due to landsliding and telephone and electricity transmission systems were disrupted.



50 killed in K-P

There are reports of 50 deaths in K-P so far, while the death toll is expected to rise, Express News reports.

Twitter reports on #earthquake

Read the eyewitness accounts from Twitter here



17 killed in Afghanistan

At least 17 people have been killed in Afghanistan, Reuters reports.



Major earthquakes of the past 30 years

Here is a list of some of the world’s strongest earthquakes in the past 30 years.



Here's what you should do during an earthquake

For a list of instructions to follow when an earthquake strikes read here.



Video shows intensity of the earthquake in different parts of Pakistan





37 killed in Pakistan

The death toll from the earthquake in Pakistan now stands at 37, Express News reports.

Paramedics treat a girl injured in an earthquake at a hospital in Peshawar on October 26, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

Eight people, including four children, died in Bajaur tribal district along the Afghan border, eight others including four children were killed in Mingora city in Swat Valley, and one woman was killed in Peshawar, according to AFP.

Pakistani paramedics treat a man injured in a powerful 7.5-magnitude #earthquake felt throughout the region pic.twitter.com/wzsymi0o5J

— AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) October 26, 2015

12 schoolgirls killed in Afghan province of Takhar

At least 12 girls were killed after a stampede broke out in their school in the northern Afghan province of Takhar following the earthquake.

"The students rushed to escape the school building in Taluqan city (capital of Takhar), triggering a stampede," Takhar education department chief Enayat Naweed told AFP.

"Twelve students, all minors, were killed and 35 others were injured."



'Tremors caused severe damage'

Tremors have caused a lot of damage in Kalam, Kidam, Manikyal and surrounding areas, Deputy Commissioner Swat Valley Saleem Marwat said. Further, landslides have made these areas inaccessible, our correspondent reports.

Parts of Commerce College #Chitral building damaged. Roads in most parts of Chitral blocked due to landsliding.#earthquake

— Benazir Samad (@BenazirMirSamad) October 26, 2015

Meanwhile, landslides have blocked routes in Hunza, our correspondent Shabbir Mir reports.

Gilgit: Landsliding around bridge near Danyore #GilgitBaltistan#Gilgit #hunza #earthquake #richter #pakistan pic.twitter.com/RlXhNhIRZq

— Wajahat Khan (@wajahatkhans) October 26, 2015

Reports of 15 deaths from Pakistan

Death toll from the earthquake now stands at 15 in Pakistan, Express News reports.

Pakistani federal employees gather outside their offices after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Islamabad on October 26, 2015.



USGS lists earthquake as 'strong' to 'very strong'

https://twitter.com/USGS/status/658592303595069440/photo/1

The PAGER estimates for the M7.5 in Afghanistan are listed as orange. Details: https://t.co/QcTvNb7KoG pic.twitter.com/2B5O7IRh9K

— USGS (@USGS) October 26, 2015

Afghan chief executive calls for rescue efforts in Afghanistan

Afghan Chief Executive Dr Abdullah orders provincial authorities to reach out to those in need through emergency response teams.

Reports coming of damage and injuries in north eastern Afghanistan. Disasters authorities to meet within the hour and respond to the needs.3

— Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) October 26, 2015

Rawalpindi Corps Commander flies to AJK, G-B

Rawalpindi Corps Commander has flown to far flung areas of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Balistan for damage assessment, says ISPR.



An eyewitness account

“It was horrifying, I was inside my office and rushed to the exit door,” said Kashif Khan, a cashier at a local bank in Aabpara told The Express Tribune.

Pakistani federal employees gather outside their offices after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Islamabad on October 26, 2015.

Adnan Abbasi, an employee at a hotel in Islamabad’s G-6, “At first he could not understand what was going on, when I saw everyone running I ran out of the building as well.”

Cracks appear along the length of a building in Islamabad after the #earthquake
Photo by Umar Ahmed via Facebook pic.twitter.com/s3Pq0QRuTP

— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) October 26, 2015

Modi offers assistance to Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

I have asked for an urgent assessment and we stand ready for assistance where required, including Afghanistan & Pakistan.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2015

Heard about strong earthquake in Afghanistan-Pakistan region whose tremors have been felt in parts of India. I pray for everyone's safety.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2015

Pictures showing extent of damage from earthquake

Earthquake tremors now in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/4x5XAfKHYy

— Matiullah Jan (@Matiullahjan919) October 26, 2015

15 injured in Peshawar

According to Rescue 1122, at least 15 people have been injured in Peshawar.

“Most of the injured were hit by bricks falling from buildings while a few jumped out of buildings in panic,” Bilal Fazi, Rescue 1122 spokesperson said.



13 killed in Pakistan

There are reports of at least 13 deaths in Pakistan.

Map showing the epicenter of the earthquake





All military hospitals on high alert: ISPR 

Pakistan Army rescue teams depart for quick assessment of damage and loss of property caused by earthquake, DG ISPR Asim Bajwa tweets.

EQ Update:in a snap conf,#COAS directed Army teams for quick assessment of earthquake damages across country spec remote areas.Teams left-2

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) October 26, 2015

All military hospitals on high alert and helicopters are on stand by, Bajwa added.

EQ Update:Troops mobilised,all CMHs put on high alert,Specialised EQ rescue machinery put on alert,Army helis mobilised-3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) October 26, 2015

Emergency declared in hospitals across Peshawar

A state of emergency has been declared in hospitals across Peshawar, our correspondent Umer Farooq reports.



Four killed in northwestern Pakistan

Four people have been killed in northwestern Pakistan, according to Reuters.

Gilgit after earthquake. PHOTO: FAROOQ AHMED/EXPRESS



PM Nawaz calls for mobilisation of resources to earthquake-hit areas

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed all federal civil, military and provincial agencies to declare immediate alert and mobilise all resources to ensure security of citizens.



Kashmiri girls stand on a road divider after vacating their office buildings following an earthquake in Srinagar October 26, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS



Army chief calls for immediate rescue operations

Army chief General Raheel Sharif has directed Pakistan Army to start rescue operations across earthquake-hit areas immediately, the military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement.

Earthquake update:Army troops directed to carry out immediate rescue work in any affected areas without waiting for formal orders-1

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) October 26, 2015

Earthquake measured 8.1 on Richter scale: Met dept

However, Pakistan's Meteorological Department has said the earthquake measured 8.1 on the Richter scale.



Phone lines disrupted in parts of K-P

Following the earthquake, phone lines were disrupted in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Some houses have collapsed in Kaghan Valley, our correspondent Muhammad Sadaqat reports. However, there are no reports of casualties as yet.



Further, buildings have collapsed in Dabgari Garden and Warsak Road in Peshawar, our correspondent reports. It will take time to confirm the extent of damage or casualties as the most vulnerable areas are improperly constructed buildings.



Tremors felt in Afghanistan, India

The earthquake struck in northeastern Afghanistan, the US Geological Survey said, sending tremors that were felt in India and Pakistan, Reuters reported. Tremors were felt in Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, Chitral, Mardan and nearby areas. The epicentre of the earthquake was 265km NE of Kabul.

People came out from their homes after powerful earthquake in #Afganistan pic.twitter.com/uJcrr5ySq6

— Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) October 26, 2015

People rush out of offices in New Delhi. PHOTO: AFP



Tremors felt for over one minute

According to sources tremors were felt for over one minute. The quake spread panic among people and they rushed out of their homes, however; no loss of life or property has been reported so far.

Men stand on a road divider after vacating their office buildings following an earthquake in Islamabad, Pakistan, October 26, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS



No immediate report of injuries

The quake was 196 km deep and centred 82 km southeast of Feyzabad in a remote area of Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountain range. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.





Aftershocks are still being felt

Aftershocks are still being felt and people have been advised to vacate buildings, Express News reported.

People stand on a road after vacating buildings following an earthquake in Srinagar October 26, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

Hundreds of people raced from buildings onto the streets in New Delhi while the quake was also felt in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, according to an AFP reporter.



Here is a video of Express News studio in Lahore during the earthquake:

Terrible earthquake. Praying for all our ppl, esp in landslide-hit northern areas. KP govt on emergency footing. pic.twitter.com/M26OoPjpzV

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 26, 2015

Serious earthquake tremors in Delhi for long. Still shaking.

— Hari Kumar (@HariNYT) October 26, 2015

Experienced the #earthquake in Pakistan this afternoon. Thoughts with those affected. We continue to monitor the situation.

— UK in Pakistan 🇬🇧🇵🇰 (@ukinpakistan) October 26, 2015

Pure terror. A minute of a quake.

— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) October 26, 2015

Massive #earthquake felt in #Islamabad. Shakes lasted up to two minutes, violently shook walls and vehicles. @Fahdhusain @MJibranNasir

— Zeeshan Salahuddin (@ZeeSalahuddin) October 26, 2015

So a massive #Earthquake in #Lahore and everyone evacuates pic.twitter.com/SUyAH5QATl

— Mian Mobeen Shafaat 🇵🇸 (@mobeenshafaat) October 26, 2015

Earthquake ongoing. #Lahore. pic.twitter.com/m1WodKEHxy

— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) October 26, 2015

https://twitter.com/NabeelHashmi88/status/658576221488480256

Very scary #earthquake in Lahore. My whole buildings swayed for 20 sec. Luckily no one got hurt.

— Shehryar Taseer (@shehryar_taseer) October 26, 2015

KPK worst hit it seems after the #earthquake. Praying that there isn't too much loss of human lives.

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) October 26, 2015

Major Earthquake has hit our mother land Paksitan. All our prays and well wishes are with the families.May Allah protect all of us. Ameen

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) October 26, 2015

JI workers and @alkhidmatorg are instructed to immediately establish relief camps and help the victims of #Earthquake at all places

— Siraj ul Haq (@SirajOfficial) October 26, 2015