7.5 earthquake jolts Afghanistan; strong tremors in north India, Pakistan

A massive earthquake measuring 7.5 on richter scale today jolted north India, with panic-stricken people rushing out of houses and buildings that shook during the temblor lasting almost a minute.

New Delhi: An earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale jolted Afghanstan, Pakistan and northern India on Monday.

The quake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale with an epicentre at Hindukush region in Afghanistan. The quake struck at around 2.40 PM.

The tremors lasted for more than a minute and people were seen evacuating buildings as a safety measure.

In Pics: Earthquake in Af-Pak, North India rattled

Delhi Metro briefly halted its services after strong tremors shook Delhi. 

"Metro services were put on hold from 2.40 PM to 2.55 PM in view of the earthquake. Thereafter, train services were brought to normal routine after ensuring safety check of the structures," an official said.

Reports said that phone lines were down in Jammu and Kashmir capital Srinagar.

Besides the national capital, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were also jolted by strong tremors.

According to National Center for Seismology, a unit of Ministry of Earth Science, the epicentre of the earthquake was the Hindukush mountain range, known to be a high seismic zone. The earthquake occurred at the depth of 190 kms.

The US Geological Survey said the epicentre lay 45 km south-southwest of Jarm in Afghanistan, around 240 km from capital Kabul. It put the intensity at 7.7 on the Richter scale.

Strong tremors also shook different parts of Nepal including Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the quake and prayed for everyone's safety.

Here's what PM Modi wrote on Twitter:

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

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

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2015