New Delhi, Jun 27: A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on Saturday evening, sending tremors across parts of Pakistan, northwest India and several Central Asian countries. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

According to preliminary seismic data, the earthquake struck at 7:04 pm. IST at a depth of 215 kilometres. The epicentre was located about 81 kilometres from Kalafgan in northeastern Afghanistan.

Tremors Felt Across Region
The earthquake was felt across Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.

Because of its considerable depth, the quake was felt across a wide geographical area. Deep-focus earthquakes typically produce widespread tremors but are generally less destructive at the surface than shallow earthquakes.

Residents Rush Outdoors in Pakistan
In Pakistan's northern Swat district, residents rushed out of their homes as the tremors shook buildings.

"The tremors were very strong here in Swat and lasted for quite some time," resident Daniyal Ahmad told Reuters. He said women and children were seen crying as people gathered outdoors fearing possible aftershocks.

Authorities in Pakistan and Afghanistan did not immediately report any casualties or structural damage.

Series of Quakes Across the Region
The Afghanistan earthquake came amid heightened seismic activity across the Indian subcontinent over the past 24 hours.

Earlier on Saturday, a shallow 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district at 11:38 a.m. IST. The quake originated at a depth of 5 kilometres, with its epicentre located about 22 kilometres north-northwest of Dharamshala. No damage or casualties were reported.

Pakistan also recorded four earthquakes in the past 24 hours, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

The strongest, measuring 5.5 magnitude, struck at 8:36 a.m. local time on Saturday in Balochistan province at a depth of 40 kilometres. The EMSC said it had reviewed and confirmed all four seismic events.

Also Read: Japan Shaken by 7.2 Earthquake, No Tsunami Alert

Experts Monitor Situation
Seismologists classify a magnitude 6.2 earthquake as a strong event capable of causing significant damage, although the actual impact depends on factors including depth, distance from populated areas, local geology and the structural resilience of buildings.

Authorities continued to monitor the situation, with no reports of major damage or casualties as of Saturday evening.