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Earthquake in Indian-controlled Kashmir claims 3 lives

Xinhua, October 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

The earthquake in Indian-controlled Kashmir Monday claimed three lives and left 15 people injured, officials said.

The earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale occurred at 2:39 p.m. (local time) and its epicentre was in Hindukush region of Afghanistan located at 36.5 degrees north latitude and 70.8 degrees east longitude.

"Two women and a boy have died because of earthquake in the region," a senior government official Asgar Samoon told media. "The women died due to cardiac arrest, while as the boy of Reasi district slipped from hillock and hit a rock, which resulted in his death."

Fifteen people, including two Indian military troopers were injured in the earthquake across the region, a Srinagar based newsgathering agency said.

According to reports the troopers were injured after their bunker collapsed in Sopore.

The tremors were felt in various cities in India including capital city -- New Delhi.

India's official broadcaster -- All India Radio (AIR) said the earthquake caused damage to dozens of government and private buildings across the region.

According to broadcaster almost all telecom networks in the region were defunct for around two hours after the tremors.

Geologists say Indian-controlled Kashmir is located in a zone of high seismic activity.

Srinagar falls in Seismic Zone-V and other parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir in Seismic Zone IV.

A high intensity quake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale with its epicentre in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan- controlled Kashmir shook the region on Oct. 8, 2005, causing large scale destruction and killing 80,000 people.

The earthquake was felt throughout Kashmir and its tremors triggered panic among residents, officials and witnesses said.

More than 200 people were killed mostly in Pakistan due the earthquake.

The region's Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed expressed grief over the huge loss of life in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"He also condoled the loss of precious lives in the region following the earthquake that triggered panic across the state," a government spokesman said. "Sayeed expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls." Endit