5.5 magnitude earthquake jolts Kashmir

A moderate earthquake hit Kashmir valley early Tuesday, triggering panic among people.

The quake was felt at 3:40 am when people were almost done with suhur or pre-dawn meals on the 12th day of holy month of Ramadan.

It was not immediately known if there were any casualties.

The magnitude of the earthquake, according to the US Geological Survey, was 5.5 on the Richter Scale and its epicentre was 22km west of Ashkasham in Afghanistan.

It may be mentioned that both parts of Kashmir were hit by a devastating earthquake in Ramadan during 2005.

The quake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale, was centered in Muzafarabad, the capital city of Pakistan administered Kashmir.

Almost one hundred thousand people died and more than two million were displaced due to the quake.