At least 12 injured in Nangarhar as quake jolts Afghanistan

At least 12 people injured after a 6.2 earthquake rocked northeast Afghanistan late last night close to the country’s borders with Pakistan and Tajikistan.

According to the US Geological Survey the quake, which measured 203.5 kilometres (126 miles) deep, struck about 280 kilometers northeast of the Afghan capital Kabul at 11:44 pm (local time).

A number of Kabul residents rushed out of their homes and buildings in cold weather amid fears of aftershocks.

Ataullah Khogyani, Nangarhar governor spokesman said on Saturday that at least 12 people were injured in stampede including six dorm students.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in other parts of Afghanistan.

In October, a 7.5-magnitude quake ripped across Pakistan and Afghanistan, killing nearly 400 people and flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts.

Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range, which lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.

In Nepal, a quake in April and a strong aftershock in May killed more than 8,900 people.