Earthquake of magnitude 5.6 hits Afghanistan

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the quake was at a depth of 121 km (75 miles).

EMSC had first reported the quake at a magnitude of 6.4, and later revised it to 5.6.

The earthquake in Afghanistan occurred hours after tremors measuring 5.6 magnitude struck off the southern Philippines, AFP quoted the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake off the coast of the island of Mindanao had a depth of 30 kilometres (18.6 miles), the USGS added.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology placed the epicentre about 43 kilometres southwest of the town of Maitum, located in a mountainous and sparsely populated area.

Local authorities told AFP early indications were that the quake had caused no significant damage.

“It was strong but didn’t last long. We have checked but it was negative (for damage or casualties),” said Gilbert Rolifor, a fire department official in Maitum.