Strong Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan and Pakistan

Reports of injuries and destruction are starting to trickle in after a strong earthquake hit near Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan on Friday, the AP reports. Sources are putting the earthquake's magnitude between 6.2 and 6.9. According to ABC News, the epicenter was 176 miles from Kabul near Afghanistan's borders with Pakistan and Tajikistan. But the AP states the epicenter was actually located in Tajikistan. Regardless, tremors were felt as far away as Islamabad and New Delhi, according to ABC. The earthquake was more than 126 miles below the surface and lasted nearly a minute, the AP reports.

The quake struck as many people in the region slept, and more than 30 residents in Peshawar, Pakistan, were injured by falling walls and collapsing houses, the AP reports. More than 40 people were hospitalized around the city. While the extent of damage across the region isn't yet known, the loss of homes and other shelters would be especially bad now in the midst of winter weather, according to Reuters. The AP reports residents could be seen standing outside their homes awaiting aftershocks, while others recited verses from the Quran. Hundreds of people were killed when an earthquake hit the same area two months ago, according to Reuters. (More earthquake stories.)