PM Modi offers aid to earthquake hit Pak, Afghanistan

Expressing grave concern about the strong earthquake in Afghanistan-Pakistan region, Prime Minster Narendra Modi has asked for an urgent assessment of the situation and offered assistance.

"Heard about strong earthquake in Afghanistan-Pakistan region whose tremors have been felt in parts of India. I pray for everyone's safety. I have asked for an urgent assessment and we stand ready for assistance where required, including Afghanistan and Pakistan," he tweeted.

The earthquake epicentred in the Hindukush mountain range in Afghanistan struck at around 2.40 PM, sending shockwaves across several states in North India.

The US Geological Survey originally said the quake had a 7.7 magnitude, but later downgraded it to 7.5. It said the quake was 120 miles deep and centred 51 miles south-east of Feyzabad in a remote northern area of Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountain range.

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

Delhi Metro temporarily halted their services. Phone lines are down in Srinagar due to the earthquake.