Quake strikes north Afghanistan

A strong earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan, shaking cities in neighbouring Pakistan and Kashmir.

Residents fled homes in Kabul, Jalalabad and Kashmir when the 6.2 magnitude quake struck in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province.

There is no word yet of any damage in the areas close to the epicentre.

A 7.6 magnitude quake in October 2005 killed more than 73,000 people in Pakistan and Kashmir and left more than three million displaced.

In Indian-administered Kashmir the authorities say there have been no reports of casualties or damage to property. In some areas people panicked and ran out of their homes.

The US Geological Survey said the latest quake was about 200km (125 miles) underground in the Hindu Kush.

It struck at around 0800 (0300 GMT).