An earthquake measuring at least 7.6 on the richter scale has struck areas of Pakistan, North India and Afghanistan. The epicentre of the earthquake was 80km NE of the Pakistan capital Islamabad. In the capital, scores of people were feared dead / trapped after the collapse of two buildings.

Rescue attempts are underway although already there are strong fears of a high death toll. Areas of Northern Pakistan are expected to have particularly high casualties. Whole villages are said to have been destroyed, although reports are not yet confirmed.

Article Entry: 8th October 2005

Update: Full extent of earthquake damaged is revealed...

Estimates have now put the death toll of Saturday's earthquake at 18,000 and another 40,000 are believed to be injured according to BBC news. The earthquake is believed to be the strongest to hit the region in a century and many have been killed by collapsing buildings. In some towns few buildings remain standing. The Pakistan government is now facing the task of providing shelter for 1000s of homeless, as well as providing medical stations to provide essential medical care for survivors. Landslides are also hampering rescue efforts and clearing roads of debris to ensure rescue efforts can take place has also become a priority. Foreign financial aid and assistance is being offered in the aftermath of the quake, including a teams of rescue workers.

Update Article Entry: 9th October 2005

Follow the links below to keep updated...

Follow Up Resources:

South Asia Quake in Depth (BBC News)

Quake's terrible toll is revealed (BBC News)

Pakistan offered earthquake aid (BBC News)

At a Glance: Quake Impact (BBC News)

Rescue Workers fly to earthquake zone (BBC)

Kashmir Quake - How news spread (BBC)

Eyewitness Report (BBC News)

100s killed in Kashmir Quake (BBC News)

In Pictures: Kashmir Quake (BBC News)

Reporter's Log - Kashmir earthquake (BBC News)

Scores Die is Kashmir Earthquake (BBC News)

Scores feared dead or trapped in Pakistan Quake (Washington Post)

Earthquake shakes sub-continent - scores feared dead (Reuters)

Toll rises in major Asian Quake (CNN)

Background to the Quake:

SE Asia - Deadly Himalaya Fault (BBC News)

BBC Science - Causes of Earthquakes (BBC)

How earthquake happens (BBC News)

Worldwide Earthquake Locator (Edinburgh Earth Observatory)