Strong earthquakes hit Afghanistan, Pakistan

[Moongirl]

Earthquake Shakes Afghanistan, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (AP) -- A meteorology official says a strong earthquake has shaken large areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

There are no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the earthquake, which struck late Thursday.

The quake was centered in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountains about 160 miles (250 kilometers north of Kabul.

The U.S. Geological Survey says its preliminary magnitude was 6.0, but Pakistani officials said it was 6.1.

It was felt in Pakistan's northwest and in the capital, Islamabad, causing some buildings to shake.

Chaudhry Qamaruz Zaman, chief of Pakistan's meteorological office, says the temblor struck about 125 miles (200 kilometers) underground in the quake-prone region, so it was unlikely to cause significant damage.

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October 29, 2009 02:16 PM EDT