Earthquake of magnitude 7.2 hits Tajikistan

NEW DELHI/ALMATY: An earthquake measuring 7.2 magnitude struck Tajikistan on Monday, shaking buildings as far away as the Indian capital of New Delhi and in Pakistan, the US Geological Survey (USGS) and witnesses said.

A spokesman for Tajikistan's Emergencies Committee said it had no information so far on any casualties or damage from the quake. The quake did not affect Russian military bases in Tajikistan, RIA news agency reported, citing Russia's defence ministry.

The epicentre of the quake was 111 km (65 miles) southwest of Karakul, the USGS said, a sparsely populated mountainous area.

A Dushanbe resident told Reuters by telephone the quake had been felt in the capital, but described it as moderate.