An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-should-vacate-pok-as-its-part-of-sovereign-india-british-mp-bob-blackman-249903">PoK</a>.

The tremors of the earthquake were reported from Hunza, Gilgit, Ghazar and Skardu districts of Gilgit-Baltistan which caused panic among people who rushed out of their homes and other buildings.

Tremors were also felt in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-may-host-oic-foreign-ministers-meet-on-kashmir-caa-report-270827">Islamabad</a>, Rawalpindi and other surrounding areas.

However, there has been no immediate report of any loss of life or property due to the quake.

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of PoK.

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of PoK. The tremors of the earthquake were reported from Hunza, Gilgit, Ghazar and Skardu districts of Gilgit-Baltistan which caused panic among people who rushed out of their homes and other buildings. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other surrounding areas. However, there has been no immediate report of any loss of life or property due to the quake.

5.3 magnitude quake hits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan area

December 28 in history: From foundation of Indian National Congress to natural disasters of Messina

An&nbsp;earthquake&nbsp;of&nbsp;magnitude&nbsp;6.3&nbsp;struck 177 km (109.98 miles)&nbsp;west&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-67-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-british-columbia-no-casualties-reported-172768">Port&nbsp;Hardy</a>, British Columbia,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;on Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-killed-as-earthquake-strikes-southern-philippines-268381">US&nbsp;Geological Survey</a> said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the quake, which was 10 km deep.

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tremors-felt-in-delhi-national-capital-region-269364">European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre</a> (EMSC), the quake struck 518 kms&nbsp;west&nbsp;of Vancouver.

There is no current tsunami warning in effect, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck 177 km (109.98 miles) west of Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the quake, which was 10 km deep.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck 177 km (109.98 miles) west of Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the quake, which was 10 km deep. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake struck 518 kms west of Vancouver. There is no current tsunami warning in effect, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Earthquake of magnitude 6.3 strikes west of Port Hardy, Canada

As per reports, an earthquake of 6.3&nbsp;magnitudes&nbsp;hit Hindu Kush today, sending tremors and quake shocks across northern India, parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Tremors were felt across Delhi/NCR and in parts of North India on Friday. Shocks were also felt in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Earthquake tremors felt across the national capital around 5.15 pm on Friday evening.&nbsp;

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Last month, an earthquake measuring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/53-magnitude-earthquake-strike-nepal-263229">5.3 on the Richter scale struck Nepal</a> on November 19.&nbsp;

The epicentre of the quake, which occurred at around 7:30 pm (local time), was located at a shallow depth of 14 kilometres, about 87 kilometres northwest of Dailekh district, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.&nbsp;

Tremors were also felt in parts of Delhi-NCR.

&nbsp;

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As per reports, an earthquake of 6.3 magnitudes hit Hindu Kush today, sending tremors and quake shocks across northern India, parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tremors were felt across Delhi/NCR and in parts of North India on Friday.

As per reports, an earthquake of 6.3 magnitudes hit Hindu Kush today, sending tremors and quake shocks across northern India, parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tremors were felt across Delhi/NCR and in parts of North India on Friday. Shocks were also felt in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Earthquake tremors felt across the national capital around 5.15 pm on Friday evening. Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi NCR pic.twitter.com/JEy0hK6RBa — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019 × Last month, an earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck Nepal on November 19. The epicentre of the quake, which occurred at around 7:30 pm (local time), was located at a shallow depth of 14 kilometres, about 87 kilometres northwest of Dailekh district, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. Tremors were also felt in parts of Delhi-NCR.

Tremors felt in Delhi-NCR as 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes Hindu Kush

A powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Sunday, killing a child, injuring dozens and damaging buildings in an area still recovering from a string of deadly quakes in October.

Police said a rescue operation had been launched at a heavily damaged market building in Padada near the 6.8 magnitude quake's epicentre, which is about 90 kilometres (55 miles) south of the major city of Davao.

Patients were evacuated from hospitals as a precaution and nervous crowds massed outside shopping malls after the jolt and dozens of smaller, but strong aftershocks.

"We can no longer use our office because the walls cracked and the stairs collapsed," local police spokeswoman Lea Orbuda told AFP. "The power is off and the water taps are dry."

A provincial police commander said the number of injured across the hardest hit areas had reached 62, with one confirmed fatality after a child was crushed under a collapsed structure.

The commander, Alberto Lupaz, said there appeared to be some people trapped under the damaged market building but rescue efforts had been delayed.

"They (rescuers) were attempting to check the rubble... the aftershocks were too strong," Lupaz said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who is from Davao, was caught up in the earthquake but was unharmed, officials said.

"The First Lady... said the car she was riding (in) was swaying," spokesman Salvador Panelo said. "They are unhurt."

There was no threat of a tsunami, said the US Geological Survey, which initially reported the magnitude at 6.9.&nbsp;

The Philippines is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Three quakes above 6.0 magnitude hit roughly the same area of Mindanao in a matter of weeks in October, killing some two dozen people and heavily damaging office buildings, schools and apartments.

Tens of thousands of people were forced into shelters by the string of tremors, the government said, either because their homes were damaged or they were too afraid to return.

Most of the deaths in October were due to collapsing walls and falling debris, including a teenage boy who was crushed by a falling wall as he tried to escape his school.

Other fatalities were attributed to rock and landslides unleashed by the violent shaking that injured at least 400 people.&nbsp;

The Philippines has been hit by several very powerful earthquakes in recent decades, including one of magnitude 7.8 that struck the northern resort town of Baguio in 1990.

That tremor toppled multi-story buildings and hotels, killing some 1,200 people.

A powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Sunday, killing a child, injuring dozens and damaging buildings in an area still recovering from a string of deadly quakes in October.

A powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Sunday, killing a child, injuring dozens and damaging buildings in an area still recovering from a string of deadly quakes in October. Police said a rescue operation had been launched at a heavily damaged market building in Padada near the 6.8 magnitude quake's epicentre, which is about 90 kilometres (55 miles) south of the major city of Davao. Patients were evacuated from hospitals as a precaution and nervous crowds massed outside shopping malls after the jolt and dozens of smaller, but strong aftershocks. "We can no longer use our office because the walls cracked and the stairs collapsed," local police spokeswoman Lea Orbuda told AFP. "The power is off and the water taps are dry." A provincial police commander said the number of injured across the hardest hit areas had reached 62, with one confirmed fatality after a child was crushed under a collapsed structure. The commander, Alberto Lupaz, said there appeared to be some people trapped under the damaged market building but rescue efforts had been delayed. "They (rescuers) were attempting to check the rubble... the aftershocks were too strong," Lupaz said. President Rodrigo Duterte, who is from Davao, was caught up in the earthquake but was unharmed, officials said. "The First Lady... said the car she was riding (in) was swaying," spokesman Salvador Panelo said. "They are unhurt." There was no threat of a tsunami, said the US Geological Survey, which initially reported the magnitude at 6.9. The Philippines is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. Three quakes above 6.0 magnitude hit roughly the same area of Mindanao in a matter of weeks in October, killing some two dozen people and heavily damaging office buildings, schools and apartments. Tens of thousands of people were forced into shelters by the string of tremors, the government said, either because their homes were damaged or they were too afraid to return. Most of the deaths in October were due to collapsing walls and falling debris, including a teenage boy who was crushed by a falling wall as he tried to escape his school. Other fatalities were attributed to rock and landslides unleashed by the violent shaking that injured at least 400 people. The Philippines has been hit by several very powerful earthquakes in recent decades, including one of magnitude 7.8 that struck the northern resort town of Baguio in 1990. That tremor toppled multi-story buildings and hotels, killing some 1,200 people.

Child killed as earthquake strikes southern Philippines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/one-dead-buildings-down-after-strongest-tremor-in-decades-hits-albania-264576">Albanian rescuers</a> searched rubble through the night looking for&nbsp;survivors&nbsp;trapped in buildings that toppled Tuesday in the strongest&nbsp;earthquake&nbsp;to hit the country in decades, with&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;20&nbsp;dead&nbsp;and hundreds injured.

Teams of soldiers, police and emergency workers sifted through the debris of shredded apartment blocks and hotels in towns near&nbsp;Albania's northwest Adriatic coast, close to the epicentre of the 6.4 magnitude&nbsp;earthquake&nbsp;that rattled the country before dawn.&nbsp;

By evening the toll was 22&nbsp;dead, according to the defence ministry.

Most were pulled from the wreckage in the coastal city of Durres and Thumane, a town north of the capital Tirana.

In neighbouring Kurbin a man in his fifties died in the morning after jumping from his building in panic. Another perished in a car accident after the&nbsp;earthquake&nbsp;tore open parts of the road, the ministry said.

More&nbsp;than&nbsp;40 people have also been retrieved alive in marathon rescue efforts that continued with headlamps and spotlights after the sun went down.

"The rescue teams will continue all night," defence ministry spokeswoman Albana Qehajaj told AFP.

"We must be careful because the night makes any operation&nbsp;more&nbsp;difficult," she added.

Earlier in Thumane, locals watching emergency workers comb over a collapsed building shouted the names of their loved ones still inside: "Mira!", "Ariela!", "Selvije!".

Dulejman Kolaveri, a man in his 50s in Thumane, told AFP he feared his 70-year-old mother and six-year-old niece were trapped inside the five-storey apartment because they lived on the top floor.&nbsp;

"I don't know if they are&nbsp;dead&nbsp;or alive. I'm afraid of their fate... only God knows," he said with trembling hands.

There were also brief bursts of joy during the day as rescuers delicately extracted&nbsp;survivors.

One thin, middle-aged man covered in a film of grey dust was seen being carried out of the rubble&nbsp;on a stretcher in Thumane.

In Durres, onlookers cheered "Bravo!" as a team used ropes to rescue a young man from the wreckage of a toppled seaside hotel in a two-hour operation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/second-powerful-tremor-to-hit-the-albania-in-two-months-264671">In pictures:&nbsp;How Albania's most powerful earthquake wrecked the capital city 
​​​​​​​</a> 
Night in the stadium

Afraid to return home after a series of powerful aftershocks, hundreds of people in Durres took shelter for the night in tents set up in the city's football stadium.

The health ministry said that&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;600 people have received first aid for injuries, mostly minor.&nbsp;

During a visit to victims in a hospital in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama told local media that Wednesday would be a national "day of mourning".&nbsp;

"We have lost human lives, we have also saved a lot of lives," he said.

Some 300 local soldiers and 1,900 police were sent to Durres and Thumane to assist with the rescue efforts, according to authorities.&nbsp;

Aid also poured in from around Europe, with teams from Italy, Greece and Romania among those deployed to help.

Albania's cities and coastline have undergone rapid development in recent decades, and illegal construction ignoring building codes is rife.&nbsp;

Felt across the Balkans

Tuesday's quake was the strongest to hit the Durres region since 1926, seismologist Rrapo Ormeni told local television.

Albanian authorities described it as the most powerful in the last&nbsp;20-30 years.

It struck at 3:54 am local time, with an epicentre 34 kilometres northwest of Tirana, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.

In Tirana, panicked residents ran out onto the streets and huddled together after the quake struck.

Several powerful aftershocks followed, including one of 5.3 magnitude.&nbsp;

The tremors were felt across the Balkans, from Sarajevo to Belgrade and the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad almost 700 kilometres away, according to reports in local media and on social networks.

The Balkan peninsula lies near the fault line of two large tectonic plates, the African and Eurasian, and earthquakes are frequent.&nbsp;

The movements of the small Adriatic micro-plate also produces earthquakes, according to Kresimir Kuk from the Croatian seismological institute.

The most devastating quake in recent times hit North Macedonia's capital Skopje in July 1963, killing around a thousand people and destroying some 80 per cent of the city.

Albanian rescuers searched rubble through the night looking for survivors trapped in buildings that toppled Tuesday in the strongest earthquake to hit the country in decades, with more than 20 dead and hundreds injured.

Albanian rescuers searched rubble through the night looking for survivors trapped in buildings that toppled Tuesday in the strongest earthquake to hit the country in decades, with more than 20 dead and hundreds injured. Teams of soldiers, police and emergency workers sifted through the debris of shredded apartment blocks and hotels in towns near Albania's northwest Adriatic coast, close to the epicentre of the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that rattled the country before dawn. By evening the toll was 22 dead, according to the defence ministry. Most were pulled from the wreckage in the coastal city of Durres and Thumane, a town north of the capital Tirana. In neighbouring Kurbin a man in his fifties died in the morning after jumping from his building in panic. Another perished in a car accident after the earthquake tore open parts of the road, the ministry said. More than 40 people have also been retrieved alive in marathon rescue efforts that continued with headlamps and spotlights after the sun went down. "The rescue teams will continue all night," defence ministry spokeswoman Albana Qehajaj told AFP. "We must be careful because the night makes any operation more difficult," she added. Earlier in Thumane, locals watching emergency workers comb over a collapsed building shouted the names of their loved ones still inside: "Mira!", "Ariela!", "Selvije!". Dulejman Kolaveri, a man in his 50s in Thumane, told AFP he feared his 70-year-old mother and six-year-old niece were trapped inside the five-storey apartment because they lived on the top floor. "I don't know if they are dead or alive. I'm afraid of their fate... only God knows," he said with trembling hands. There were also brief bursts of joy during the day as rescuers delicately extracted survivors. One thin, middle-aged man covered in a film of grey dust was seen being carried out of the rubble on a stretcher in Thumane. In Durres, onlookers cheered "Bravo!" as a team used ropes to rescue a young man from the wreckage of a toppled seaside hotel in a two-hour operation. In pictures: How Albania's most powerful earthquake wrecked the capital city Night in the stadium Afraid to return home after a series of powerful aftershocks, hundreds of people in Durres took shelter for the night in tents set up in the city's football stadium. The health ministry said that more than 600 people have received first aid for injuries, mostly minor. During a visit to victims in a hospital in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama told local media that Wednesday would be a national "day of mourning". "We have lost human lives, we have also saved a lot of lives," he said. Some 300 local soldiers and 1,900 police were sent to Durres and Thumane to assist with the rescue efforts, according to authorities. Aid also poured in from around Europe, with teams from Italy, Greece and Romania among those deployed to help. Albania's cities and coastline have undergone rapid development in recent decades, and illegal construction ignoring building codes is rife. Felt across the Balkans Tuesday's quake was the strongest to hit the Durres region since 1926, seismologist Rrapo Ormeni told local television. Albanian authorities described it as the most powerful in the last 20-30 years. It struck at 3:54 am local time, with an epicentre 34 kilometres northwest of Tirana, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. In Tirana, panicked residents ran out onto the streets and huddled together after the quake struck. Several powerful aftershocks followed, including one of 5.3 magnitude. The tremors were felt across the Balkans, from Sarajevo to Belgrade and the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad almost 700 kilometres away, according to reports in local media and on social networks. The Balkan peninsula lies near the fault line of two large tectonic plates, the African and Eurasian, and earthquakes are frequent. The movements of the small Adriatic micro-plate also produces earthquakes, according to Kresimir Kuk from the Croatian seismological institute. The most devastating quake in recent times hit North Macedonia's capital Skopje in July 1963, killing around a thousand people and destroying some 80 per cent of the city.

Albania: Earthquake kills 20, hunt for survivors still ongoing

US: Colorado witnesses historic snowfall, 500 flights cancelled & 350 delayed. Watch video to know more.

US: Colorado witnesses historic snowfall, 500 flights cancelled & 350 delayed

How Albania's most powerful earthquake wrecked the capital city

Emergency crews found three more bodies on Wednesday morning as they used drones, dogs and heavy machinery to search through the wreckage left by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../one-dead-buildings-down-after-strongest- tremor-in-decades-hits-albania-264576">Albania</a>'s worst earthquake in decades, bringing the death toll to at least 25.

In the town of Thumane, close to the centre of Tuesday's quake, a woman stood in front of a collapsed building calling our for rescuers to find her niece.

Soon after crews brought out two bodies. Police said they had found another victim earlier, before dawn.

Other residents slept out in the streets in tents, fearing aftershocks.

Adrian Muci said six of his relatives had died in two separate buildings, and his own house was on the point of collapse.

"I have other cousins and relatives but I don't know where they are and if they are dead or not," he told Reuters. "I will never be able to live in my house any more."

The 6.4 magnitude quake, centred 30 km (19 miles) west of Tirana, was felt across the Balkans and in the southern Italian region of Puglia, across the Adriatic Sea from Albania.

At least 250 aftershocks - two of them magnitude 5 - then shook the Balkan country, testing strained nerves.

Albania is the poorest country in Europe, with per capita income a quarter of the European Union average, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Emergency crews found three more bodies on Wednesday morning as they used drones, dogs and heavy machinery to search through the wreckage left by Albania's worst earthquake in decades, bringing the death toll to at least 25.

Emergency crews found three more bodies on Wednesday morning as they used drones, dogs and heavy machinery to search through the wreckage left by Albania's worst earthquake in decades, bringing the death toll to at least 25. In the town of Thumane, close to the centre of Tuesday's quake, a woman stood in front of a collapsed building calling our for rescuers to find her niece. Soon after crews brought out two bodies. Police said they had found another victim earlier, before dawn. Other residents slept out in the streets in tents, fearing aftershocks. Adrian Muci said six of his relatives had died in two separate buildings, and his own house was on the point of collapse. "I have other cousins and relatives but I don't know where they are and if they are dead or not," he told Reuters. "I will never be able to live in my house any more." The 6.4 magnitude quake, centred 30 km (19 miles) west of Tirana, was felt across the Balkans and in the southern Italian region of Puglia, across the Adriatic Sea from Albania. At least 250 aftershocks - two of them magnitude 5 - then shook the Balkan country, testing strained nerves. Albania is the poorest country in Europe, with per capita income a quarter of the European Union average, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Rescuers work through the night as Albanian quake toll hits 25

Japan's Tohoku Electric Power said on Wednesday it has won initial regulatory approval to restart a reactor at its Onagawa power plant, more than eight&nbsp;years after it was damaged in the earthquake and tsunami that caused the Fukushima disaster.

Tohoku Electric said in a statement it has received a first green light from Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority to restart the No&nbsp;2 reactor at Onagawa, subject to a public consultation period.

Onagawa was the closest among Japan's nuclear stations to the epicentre of the magnitude-9 quake in March 2011, which triggered a tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people, as well as causing the worst atomic disaster since Chernobyl in 1986.

The station was swamped by the tsunami, but survived with its cooling system intact, saving its reactors from the threat of meltdowns similar to those that occurred at Tokyo Electric Power's Fukushima Daiichi station to the south.

Further approvals will be required before the restart, along with the consent of local authorities, which is not guaranteed.

The reactor is a boiling water reactor (BWR) with the same basic design as those that melted down in the Fukushima crisis.

The Fukushima disaster led to the eventual shutdown of the country's then-54 operational reactors, which once provided nearly a third of Japan's electricity. All had to be relicensed under new standards after the disaster highlighted operational and regulatory failings.

While the approval will be a boost for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-leaves-japan-after-trip-centred-on-anti-nuclear-message-264572">Japan's resurgent nuclear industry</a>, the sector will still miss a government target of providing at least a fifth of the country's electricity by 2030, an analysis by Reuters showed last year.

Nine reactors have been restarted, all of them pressurized water reactors located far from Tokyo, while the stigma of Fukushima still hangs over use of the older BWR technology.

The issue of nuclear safety in Japan was highlighted again earlier this week when Pope Francis - who met victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster while in Japan over the weekend - said nuclear energy should not be used until there are ironclad guarantees that it is safe for people and the environment.

Japan's Tohoku Electric Power said on Wednesday it has won initial regulatory approval to restart a reactor at its Onagawa power plant, more than eight years after it was damaged in the earthquake and tsunami that caused the Fukushima disaster.

Japan's Tohoku Electric Power said on Wednesday it has won initial regulatory approval to restart a reactor at its Onagawa power plant, more than eight years after it was damaged in the earthquake and tsunami that caused the Fukushima disaster. Tohoku Electric said in a statement it has received a first green light from Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority to restart the No 2 reactor at Onagawa, subject to a public consultation period. Onagawa was the closest among Japan's nuclear stations to the epicentre of the magnitude-9 quake in March 2011, which triggered a tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people, as well as causing the worst atomic disaster since Chernobyl in 1986. The station was swamped by the tsunami, but survived with its cooling system intact, saving its reactors from the threat of meltdowns similar to those that occurred at Tokyo Electric Power's Fukushima Daiichi station to the south. Further approvals will be required before the restart, along with the consent of local authorities, which is not guaranteed. The reactor is a boiling water reactor (BWR) with the same basic design as those that melted down in the Fukushima crisis. The Fukushima disaster led to the eventual shutdown of the country's then-54 operational reactors, which once provided nearly a third of Japan's electricity. All had to be relicensed under new standards after the disaster highlighted operational and regulatory failings. While the approval will be a boost for Japan's resurgent nuclear industry, the sector will still miss a government target of providing at least a fifth of the country's electricity by 2030, an analysis by Reuters showed last year. Nine reactors have been restarted, all of them pressurized water reactors located far from Tokyo, while the stigma of Fukushima still hangs over use of the older BWR technology. The issue of nuclear safety in Japan was highlighted again earlier this week when Pope Francis - who met victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster while in Japan over the weekend - said nuclear energy should not be used until there are ironclad guarantees that it is safe for people and the environment.

Japan approves restarting nuclear reactor closest to epicentre of 2011 quake

At least six people have died after the most powerful earthquake to hit Albania in decades rocked the capital of Tirana and the surrounding region early on Tuesday, causing several buildings to collapse and burying residents in the rubble.

The 6.4 magnitude quake struck shortly before 4 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), the US&nbsp;Geological Survey (USGS) said, the second powerful tremor to hit the region in two months.

It was centered 30 km (19 miles) west of Tirana, at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles), the USGS said.

Two women were found in the rubble of an apartment building in the northern village of Thumane, and a man died in the town of Kurbin after panicking and jumping out of a building, a Defence Ministry spokeswoman said.

The bodies of three other victims were pulled from the wreckage of two collapsed buildings in Durres, the defense ministry said.

Emergency workers told local media one of those killed was an elderly woman who had managed to save her grandson by cradling him with her body.

Unverified video footage posted on social media showed what appeared to be a collapsed building in Durres, 40 km west of Tirana, on the Adriatic coast. Other footage showed buildings with large cracks and fallen masonry, including one apartment with most of a bedroom wall missing.

"Firefighters and army staff are helping residents (caught) under the rubble", in Durres and the nearby village of Thumane, the Defence Ministry spokeswoman told reporters.

An unidentified man, with a wound dressing on his right cheek, told News24 TV his daughter and niece were among those trapped in a collapsed apartment building in Durres.

"I talked with my daughter and niece on the phone. They said they are well and are waiting for the rescue. Could not talk to my wife. There are other families, but I could not talk to them," the man said.

National police said people in Durres and the surrounding areas to avoid driving so emergency services could reach those affected by the earthquake.

Two government spokesmen told Reuters the biggest damage to buildings was in Durres and a few people had been taken to hospital in Tirana.

A Reuters witness described residents fleeing apartment buildings in Tirana, some carrying babies. Power was down in several neighbourhoods.

Three hours after the main tremor, a strong aftershock rocked the city, which is known for its colorful mix of architecture from its Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet past.

Several smaller tremors were recorded in the hour before the main quake, which was also felt across the Balkans and in the southern Italian region of Puglia.

"We were awake because of the previous quakes, but the last one shook us around. Everything at home kept falling down," Refik, a Tirana resident, told Reuters of what happened in his sixth-floor apartment.

Located along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, between Greece and Macedonia, Albania experiences regular seismic activity.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 shook the country on September&nbsp;21, damaging around 500 houses and destroying some. The Defence Ministry had said it was the most powerful quake in Albania in the last 30 years.&nbsp;

The images of collapsed or semi-collapsed buildings in urban areas suggested Tuesday's quake was more powerful than one in 1979 which razed a neighborhood of the northern town of Shkoder, bordering Montenegro. Neither of those two earlier earthquakes caused any fatalities.

The Balkan nation is the poorest country in Europe, with an average income of less than a third of the European Union average, according to Eurostat data.

At least six people have died after the most powerful earthquake to hit Albania in decades rocked the capital of Tirana and the surrounding region early on Tuesday, causing several buildings to collapse and burying residents in the rubble.

At least six people have died after the most powerful earthquake to hit Albania in decades rocked the capital of Tirana and the surrounding region early on Tuesday, causing several buildings to collapse and burying residents in the rubble. The 6.4 magnitude quake struck shortly before 4 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, the second powerful tremor to hit the region in two months. It was centered 30 km (19 miles) west of Tirana, at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles), the USGS said. Two women were found in the rubble of an apartment building in the northern village of Thumane, and a man died in the town of Kurbin after panicking and jumping out of a building, a Defence Ministry spokeswoman said. The bodies of three other victims were pulled from the wreckage of two collapsed buildings in Durres, the defense ministry said. Emergency workers told local media one of those killed was an elderly woman who had managed to save her grandson by cradling him with her body. Unverified video footage posted on social media showed what appeared to be a collapsed building in Durres, 40 km west of Tirana, on the Adriatic coast. Other footage showed buildings with large cracks and fallen masonry, including one apartment with most of a bedroom wall missing. "Firefighters and army staff are helping residents (caught) under the rubble", in Durres and the nearby village of Thumane, the Defence Ministry spokeswoman told reporters. An unidentified man, with a wound dressing on his right cheek, told News24 TV his daughter and niece were among those trapped in a collapsed apartment building in Durres. "I talked with my daughter and niece on the phone. They said they are well and are waiting for the rescue. Could not talk to my wife. There are other families, but I could not talk to them," the man said. National police said people in Durres and the surrounding areas to avoid driving so emergency services could reach those affected by the earthquake. Two government spokesmen told Reuters the biggest damage to buildings was in Durres and a few people had been taken to hospital in Tirana. A Reuters witness described residents fleeing apartment buildings in Tirana, some carrying babies. Power was down in several neighbourhoods. Three hours after the main tremor, a strong aftershock rocked the city, which is known for its colorful mix of architecture from its Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet past. Several smaller tremors were recorded in the hour before the main quake, which was also felt across the Balkans and in the southern Italian region of Puglia. "We were awake because of the previous quakes, but the last one shook us around. Everything at home kept falling down," Refik, a Tirana resident, told Reuters of what happened in his sixth-floor apartment. Located along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, between Greece and Macedonia, Albania experiences regular seismic activity. An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 shook the country on September 21, damaging around 500 houses and destroying some. The Defence Ministry had said it was the most powerful quake in Albania in the last 30 years. The images of collapsed or semi-collapsed buildings in urban areas suggested Tuesday's quake was more powerful than one in 1979 which razed a neighborhood of the northern town of Shkoder, bordering Montenegro. Neither of those two earlier earthquakes caused any fatalities. The Balkan nation is the poorest country in Europe, with an average income of less than a third of the European Union average, according to Eurostat data.

Six dead, buildings down as strongest tremor in decades rocks Albania

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-thailand-at-start-of-asia-trip-263302">Thai border early Thursday</a>, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok.

There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake hit at 6:50 am.

But tremors could be felt more than 700 kilometres&nbsp;away in the Thai capital, where Pope Francis is currently on a four-day visit.&nbsp;

"The shaking... was the main shock from a quake in Laos at 6:50 am and was felt in northern and northeastern Thailand and Bangkok and suburbs," said Sophon Chaila, an official at the Thai Meteorological Department.

"As of now there is no report of damage," Sophon said.

The department said the quake-affected nine provinces in Thailand and there were four lesser aftershocks. It also became a top trending topic on Twitter in Thailand.

Residents in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi also felt buildings sway.&nbsp;

"The ceiling lights were shaking quite strongly. I felt dizzy and scared," said Hanoi resident Tran Hoa Phuong, who felt the earthquake in her 27-storey apartment building.&nbsp;

It hit about three hours after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the same region of Laos, near the site of the large Xayaburi dam project, which reported no damage so far.&nbsp;

Information is slow to trickle out of the closed communist state, and there were similarly no official reports of damage or injuries after the twin quakes hit early Thursday.

Impoverished Laos has ploughed ahead with ambitious dam-building projects that critics say lack transparency and stringent safety measures.

The cost was laid bare last year when a massive hydropower project collapsed in southern Laos, killing dozens and leaving thousands homeless.

Pope Francis arrived in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-suspects-arrested-for-rebel-attacks-in-thailands-south-260958">Bangkok</a> on Wednesday and has a busy agenda Thursday meeting officials and the Thai king before he leads a mass in the evening.&nbsp;

There was no word from his team on whether he felt the quake.&nbsp;

Powerful earthquakes occasionally strike hard in Southeast Asia.

In 2016 a 6.8-magnitude quake struck Myanmar, killing at least three people and damaging temples in the ancient temple town of Bagan.&nbsp;

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the Thai border early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok.

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the Thai border early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok. There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake hit at 6:50 am. But tremors could be felt more than 700 kilometres away in the Thai capital, where Pope Francis is currently on a four-day visit. "The shaking... was the main shock from a quake in Laos at 6:50 am and was felt in northern and northeastern Thailand and Bangkok and suburbs," said Sophon Chaila, an official at the Thai Meteorological Department. "As of now there is no report of damage," Sophon said. The department said the quake-affected nine provinces in Thailand and there were four lesser aftershocks. It also became a top trending topic on Twitter in Thailand. Residents in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi also felt buildings sway. "The ceiling lights were shaking quite strongly. I felt dizzy and scared," said Hanoi resident Tran Hoa Phuong, who felt the earthquake in her 27-storey apartment building. It hit about three hours after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the same region of Laos, near the site of the large Xayaburi dam project, which reported no damage so far. Information is slow to trickle out of the closed communist state, and there were similarly no official reports of damage or injuries after the twin quakes hit early Thursday. Impoverished Laos has ploughed ahead with ambitious dam-building projects that critics say lack transparency and stringent safety measures. The cost was laid bare last year when a massive hydropower project collapsed in southern Laos, killing dozens and leaving thousands homeless. Pope Francis arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday and has a busy agenda Thursday meeting officials and the Thai king before he leads a mass in the evening. There was no word from his team on whether he felt the quake. Powerful earthquakes occasionally strike hard in Southeast Asia. In 2016 a 6.8-magnitude quake struck Myanmar, killing at least three people and damaging temples in the ancient temple town of Bagan.

6.1-magnitude quake hits Thailand-Laos border

A powerful earthquake struck near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-six-injured-in-suicide-bombing-at-indonesian-police-station-261872">Indonesia's Moluccas islands</a> on Thursday, prompting panicked residents to flee to higher ground, though a tsunami alert was later lifted and there were no immediate reports of casualties.

The quake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicentre in the sea was 139 km northwest of the city of Ternate at a depth of 45 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. More than 20 aftershocks occurred.

Indonesia's geophysics agency lifted the tsunami warning after two hours because it detected only small waves in Ternate, Jailolo and Bitung.

Miftahudin, an official in Jailolo in the Halmahera area of the Moluccas, said residents had fled to the hills.

"After the earthquakes, there was an electricity blackout," he told news portal Tribunnews. There had been no reports of fatalities or damage in the area, he said.

The quake was also felt strongly on the island of Sulawesi, to the west of the epicentre, where authorities urged people to move to higher ground and stay away from the beaches.

Indah Lengkong, a resident of the port city of Bitung in North Sulawesi, said by text message: "The house was visibly shaking."

People in her neighbourhood had initially panicked, she said, adding: "The quake was very strong and lasted for a while. We can still feel tremors but weaker."

Tremors shook buildings in cities across North Sulawesi.

Indonesia is situated on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which frequently has earthquakes and sometimes accompanying tsunamis.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake had struck the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-suicide-attack-in-indonesia-1-dead-261709">Moluccas islands</a> in July, killing at least four people. The most devastating in recent Indonesian history was on December&nbsp;26 2004 when a magnitude 9.5 quake triggered a massive tsunami that killed around 226,000 people along the shorelines of the Indian Ocean, including more than 126,000 in Indonesia.

Last year, a tsunami hit the city of Palu in Sulawesi, killing thousands.

A powerful earthquake struck near Indonesia's Moluccas islands on Thursday, prompting panicked residents to flee to higher ground, though a tsunami alert was later lifted and there were no immediate reports of casualties.

A powerful earthquake struck near Indonesia's Moluccas islands on Thursday, prompting panicked residents to flee to higher ground, though a tsunami alert was later lifted and there were no immediate reports of casualties. The quake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicentre in the sea was 139 km northwest of the city of Ternate at a depth of 45 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. More than 20 aftershocks occurred. Indonesia's geophysics agency lifted the tsunami warning after two hours because it detected only small waves in Ternate, Jailolo and Bitung. Miftahudin, an official in Jailolo in the Halmahera area of the Moluccas, said residents had fled to the hills. "After the earthquakes, there was an electricity blackout," he told news portal Tribunnews. There had been no reports of fatalities or damage in the area, he said. The quake was also felt strongly on the island of Sulawesi, to the west of the epicentre, where authorities urged people to move to higher ground and stay away from the beaches. Indah Lengkong, a resident of the port city of Bitung in North Sulawesi, said by text message: "The house was visibly shaking." People in her neighbourhood had initially panicked, she said, adding: "The quake was very strong and lasted for a while. We can still feel tremors but weaker." Tremors shook buildings in cities across North Sulawesi. Indonesia is situated on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which frequently has earthquakes and sometimes accompanying tsunamis. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake had struck the Moluccas islands in July, killing at least four people. The most devastating in recent Indonesian history was on December 26 2004 when a magnitude 9.5 quake triggered a massive tsunami that killed around 226,000 people along the shorelines of the Indian Ocean, including more than 126,000 in Indonesia. Last year, a tsunami hit the city of Palu in Sulawesi, killing thousands.

Indonesia lifts tsunami alert after powerful earthquake causes panic

At least five people lost their lives and 120 were injured after an earthquake of 5.9-magnitude&nbsp;struck northwestern Iran on Friday.

The quake struck the&nbsp;120 kilometres (75 miles) southeast of the city of Tabriz, in East Azerbaijan Province in the early hours of the day. It was also followed by four aftershocks.

Local media reports said that&nbsp;the tremor was relatively strong and caused many people to run out of their homes in panic in the middle of the night.

According to a report,&nbsp;at least 30 houses had been destroyed. Authorities are conducting rescue operations in over 40&nbsp;villages.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued an alert warning that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread".

Iran sits where two major tectonic plates meet and experiences frequent seismic activity.

The country has suffered a number of major disasters in recent decades, including at the ancient city of Bam, which was decimated by a catastrophic earthquake in 2003 that killed at least 31,000 people. &nbsp;

In 1990, a 7.4-magnitude quake in northern Iran killed 40,000 people, injured 300,000 and left half a million homeless, reducing dozens of towns and nearly 2,000 villages to rubble.

Iran has experienced at least two other significant quakes in recent years -- one in 2005 that killed more than 600 people and another in 2012 that left some 300 dead.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least five people lost their lives and 120 were injured after an earthquake of 5.9-magnitude struck northwestern Iran on Friday. The quake struck the 120 kilometres (75 miles) southeast of the city of Tabriz, in East Azerbaijan Province in the early hours of the day.

At least five people lost their lives and 120 were injured after an earthquake of 5.9-magnitude struck northwestern Iran on Friday. The quake struck the 120 kilometres (75 miles) southeast of the city of Tabriz, in East Azerbaijan Province in the early hours of the day. It was also followed by four aftershocks. Local media reports said that the tremor was relatively strong and caused many people to run out of their homes in panic in the middle of the night. According to a report, at least 30 houses had been destroyed. Authorities are conducting rescue operations in over 40 villages. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued an alert warning that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread". Iran sits where two major tectonic plates meet and experiences frequent seismic activity. The country has suffered a number of major disasters in recent decades, including at the ancient city of Bam, which was decimated by a catastrophic earthquake in 2003 that killed at least 31,000 people. In 1990, a 7.4-magnitude quake in northern Iran killed 40,000 people, injured 300,000 and left half a million homeless, reducing dozens of towns and nearly 2,000 villages to rubble. Iran has experienced at least two other significant quakes in recent years -- one in 2005 that killed more than 600 people and another in 2012 that left some 300 dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Five killed, 120 injured in Iran earthquake

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck northwestern Iran on Friday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 300, according to Iranian state media.

The US&nbsp;Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.8 quake struck at 2:17 am&nbsp;83 kms&nbsp;southwest of Ardabil in East Azerbaijan province.

State news agency IRNA said the quake was followed by more than 60 aftershocks, causing panic among residents who rushed out of their houses in the middle of the night.

"Rescue teams and helicopters have been dispatched to the quake-hit areas and hospitals are on full alert to help injured people. Unfortunately, six people were killed and 345 were injured," Iran's emergency medical services chief Pir Hossein Kolivand told state TV.

The quake was felt in several towns and cities in Iran. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the quake was felt by some 20 million people. The quake had a shallow depth of 10 km, which would have amplified the shaking.

"The quake hit the Tark county in the province at 02:17 am ...many of people were injured while trying to flee their houses in panic," a local official told TV, adding that some 400 houses were damaged.

Criss-crossed by several major fault lines, Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. In 2003, a magnitude 6.6 quake in Kerman province killed 31,000 people and flattened the ancient city of Bam.

In 2017, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck that struck western Iran and killed more than 600 people and injured more than 9,000.

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck northwestern Iran on Friday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 300, according to Iranian state media.

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck northwestern Iran on Friday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 300, according to Iranian state media. The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.8 quake struck at 2:17 am 83 kms southwest of Ardabil in East Azerbaijan province. State news agency IRNA said the quake was followed by more than 60 aftershocks, causing panic among residents who rushed out of their houses in the middle of the night. "Rescue teams and helicopters have been dispatched to the quake-hit areas and hospitals are on full alert to help injured people. Unfortunately, six people were killed and 345 were injured," Iran's emergency medical services chief Pir Hossein Kolivand told state TV. The quake was felt in several towns and cities in Iran. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the quake was felt by some 20 million people. The quake had a shallow depth of 10 km, which would have amplified the shaking. "The quake hit the Tark county in the province at 02:17 am ...many of people were injured while trying to flee their houses in panic," a local official told TV, adding that some 400 houses were damaged. Criss-crossed by several major fault lines, Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. In 2003, a magnitude 6.6 quake in Kerman province killed 31,000 people and flattened the ancient city of Bam. In 2017, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck that struck western Iran and killed more than 600 people and injured more than 9,000.

Iran quake kills at least six, injures 300: Report

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) joint exercise on urban earthquake search and rescue, 2019 at the Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi on Monday. 
 
"Inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search &amp; Rescue (SCOJtEx)-2019 in New Delhi," Shah Tweeted.

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Inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search &amp; Rescue (SCOJtEx)-2019 in New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/R8pwMAqZsH">pic.twitter.com/R8pwMAqZsH</a>
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The four-day exercise is being hosted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rehearse disaster response mechanisms and share knowledge, experience, and technology. 
 
The main focus of the joint exercise will be to test the region's preparedness to activate intergovernmental interaction for an immediate response.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) joint exercise on urban earthquake search and rescue, 2019 at the Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi on Monday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) joint exercise on urban earthquake search and rescue, 2019 at the Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi on Monday. "Inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue (SCOJtEx)-2019 in New Delhi," Shah Tweeted. Inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue (SCOJtEx)-2019 in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/R8pwMAqZsH — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 4, 2019 × The four-day exercise is being hosted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rehearse disaster response mechanisms and share knowledge, experience, and technology. The main focus of the joint exercise will be to test the region's preparedness to activate intergovernmental interaction for an immediate response.

Amit Shah inaugurates SCO joint exercise on urban earthquake search and rescue

A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-earthquake-65-magnitude-earthquake-hits-davao-city-258984"> powerful earthquake</a> struck the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing at least four people and sparking searches of seriously damaged buildings that had already been rattled by two previous deadly tremors in recent weeks.&nbsp;

The 6.5 magnitude quake hit the island of Mindanao, the US Geological Survey said, causing locals to run to safety in the same area where a strong tremor killed eight&nbsp;people on Tuesday.

The powerful shaking caused serious damage to a condominium building in the major southern city of Davao, which was about 45 kilometres&nbsp;from the epicentre.

At least nine people were hurt at the building, and rescuers had launched a search to determine if residents might be trapped inside, police told AFP.&nbsp;

Four people were killed in nearby Cotabato province by the quake, including a local official who was crushed to death, a police official said. &nbsp;

A hotel partially collapsed in another area, but a disaster official said the building had already been evacuated.

Locals have been left terrified by a string of powerful quakes, and hundreds of aftershocks since the first powerful tremor struck on October 16.

"I panicked and I rushed outside. I was afraid the building might collapse," said Beth Lancian, a restaurant cashier in Davao. "There's been an earthquake almost every week."

President Rodrigo Duterte was in his hometown of Davao when the shaking began, but his spokesman said he was unharmed.&nbsp;

Some 12,000 people were already in shelters on Mindanao island before Thursday's quake hit, the government said, either because their homes have been destroyed or they were too afraid to return to their residences.

The Philippines suffers regular tremors as part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

In the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/magnitude-66-earthquake-strikes-off-southern-philippines-258606">6.6 magnitude quake </a>on Tuesday, a teenage boy was crushed by a falling wall as he tried to escape his school in Magsaysay, the town spokesman told AFP.&nbsp;

Rock and landslides unleashed by the violent shaking killed four others, while a collapsed wall crushed a man, authorities said.

Nearly 400 people were hurt, including some seven pupils and teachers hurt escaping their collapsed elementary school.

The area was still suffering the effects of a 6.4-magnitude quake that hit less than two weeks ago, killing at least five people and damaging dozens of buildings.

Residents fled homes across the Mindanao region and a mall caught fire in the city of General Santos shortly after the quake struck on October 16.

Hundreds of people were still displaced two weeks after that quake when the second one struck earlier this week, forcing thousands more from their homes.

One of the deadliest quakes to hit the Philippines recently was in April, when 16 people were killed as a building near the capital Manila collapsed and the secondary Clark airport was shut down after damage to the passenger terminal.

High-rise structures in the capital swayed after the April quake, leaving some with large cracks in their walls.

&nbsp;

A powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing at least four people and sparking searches of seriously damaged buildings that had already been rattled by two previous deadly tremors in recent weeks.

A powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing at least four people and sparking searches of seriously damaged buildings that had already been rattled by two previous deadly tremors in recent weeks. The 6.5 magnitude quake hit the island of Mindanao, the US Geological Survey said, causing locals to run to safety in the same area where a strong tremor killed eight people on Tuesday. The powerful shaking caused serious damage to a condominium building in the major southern city of Davao, which was about 45 kilometres from the epicentre. At least nine people were hurt at the building, and rescuers had launched a search to determine if residents might be trapped inside, police told AFP. Four people were killed in nearby Cotabato province by the quake, including a local official who was crushed to death, a police official said. A hotel partially collapsed in another area, but a disaster official said the building had already been evacuated. Locals have been left terrified by a string of powerful quakes, and hundreds of aftershocks since the first powerful tremor struck on October 16. "I panicked and I rushed outside. I was afraid the building might collapse," said Beth Lancian, a restaurant cashier in Davao. "There's been an earthquake almost every week." President Rodrigo Duterte was in his hometown of Davao when the shaking began, but his spokesman said he was unharmed. Some 12,000 people were already in shelters on Mindanao island before Thursday's quake hit, the government said, either because their homes have been destroyed or they were too afraid to return to their residences. The Philippines suffers regular tremors as part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. In the 6.6 magnitude quake on Tuesday, a teenage boy was crushed by a falling wall as he tried to escape his school in Magsaysay, the town spokesman told AFP. Rock and landslides unleashed by the violent shaking killed four others, while a collapsed wall crushed a man, authorities said. Nearly 400 people were hurt, including some seven pupils and teachers hurt escaping their collapsed elementary school. The area was still suffering the effects of a 6.4-magnitude quake that hit less than two weeks ago, killing at least five people and damaging dozens of buildings. Residents fled homes across the Mindanao region and a mall caught fire in the city of General Santos shortly after the quake struck on October 16. Hundreds of people were still displaced two weeks after that quake when the second one struck earlier this week, forcing thousands more from their homes. One of the deadliest quakes to hit the Philippines recently was in April, when 16 people were killed as a building near the capital Manila collapsed and the secondary Clark airport was shut down after damage to the passenger terminal. High-rise structures in the capital swayed after the April quake, leaving some with large cracks in their walls.

New powerful quake hits South Philippines

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 hit central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, shaking buildings and causing residents to rush from schools and offices.

The quake struck 26 km&nbsp;northeast of Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:04 am (0104 GMT), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

There were no were immediate reports of casualties or major damage, but with several aftershocks to be expected, Phivolcs advised residents in affected areas to remain outside the buildings.

The earthquake also shook nearby provinces and cities, including Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country.

DZMM radio reported that power cables were seen swinging in Davao, while people rushed to open spaces, with some fainting because of fear.

Classes in schools were suspended after the earthquake.

It also triggered power cuts in General Santos City, ANC news channel reported.

The quake was initially reported as being of 6.7 magnitudes by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

On October&nbsp;16, a magnitude <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-three-from-philippines-earthquake-256395">6.4 earthquake</a> struck central Mindanao, killing five people and injuring dozens.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 hit central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, shaking buildings and causing residents to rush from schools and offices.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 hit central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, shaking buildings and causing residents to rush from schools and offices. The quake struck 26 km northeast of Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:04 am (0104 GMT), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. There were no were immediate reports of casualties or major damage, but with several aftershocks to be expected, Phivolcs advised residents in affected areas to remain outside the buildings. The earthquake also shook nearby provinces and cities, including Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country. DZMM radio reported that power cables were seen swinging in Davao, while people rushed to open spaces, with some fainting because of fear. Classes in schools were suspended after the earthquake. It also triggered power cuts in General Santos City, ANC news channel reported. The quake was initially reported as being of 6.7 magnitudes by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire. On October 16, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao, killing five people and injuring dozens.

6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes off southern Philippines

At least three people were killed and dozens injured when a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the southern Philippines late on Wednesday, authorities said on Thursday.

The earthquake knocked out power and communications and opened cracks in buildings in central Mindanao.

Two people were killed and 18 injured in a landslide in Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur province, national disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal said.

A seven-year-old girl was killed when a wall in her house collapsed, said Reuel Limbungan, mayor of Tulunan town in North Cotabato province.

The disaster agency said 27 people were injured and 15 buildings damaged, including shopping malls, schools and town halls.

The earthquake also shook Davao City, the home town of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country.

The quake struck 69 km north-northwest of the city of General Santos, Mindanao at 7:37 p.m., the United States Geological Survey said. The epicentre was about 80 km southwest of central Davao.

"We felt a very strong jolt and there was a blackout. I saw people rushing down. We were panicking, heading to the exit," said Naru Guarda Cabaddu, a hotel consultant visiting Kidapawan City between the epicentre of the quake and Davao.

The Philippines is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes.

"I was driving back home when I felt a very powerful shake. I stopped and saw people and patients running out of the hospital," Raprap Rafael, a resident of Kidapawan City, told Reuters.

A community at the foot of a mountain had to evacuate because of more than 200 aftershocks, Palmer Bernalte, a Kidapawan city disaster official, told CNN Philippines channel.

At least three people were killed and dozens injured when a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the southern Philippines late on Wednesday, authorities said on Thursday.

At least three people were killed and dozens injured when a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the southern Philippines late on Wednesday, authorities said on Thursday. The earthquake knocked out power and communications and opened cracks in buildings in central Mindanao. Two people were killed and 18 injured in a landslide in Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur province, national disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal said. A seven-year-old girl was killed when a wall in her house collapsed, said Reuel Limbungan, mayor of Tulunan town in North Cotabato province. The disaster agency said 27 people were injured and 15 buildings damaged, including shopping malls, schools and town halls. The earthquake also shook Davao City, the home town of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country. The quake struck 69 km north-northwest of the city of General Santos, Mindanao at 7:37 p.m., the United States Geological Survey said. The epicentre was about 80 km southwest of central Davao. "We felt a very strong jolt and there was a blackout. I saw people rushing down. We were panicking, heading to the exit," said Naru Guarda Cabaddu, a hotel consultant visiting Kidapawan City between the epicentre of the quake and Davao. The Philippines is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes. "I was driving back home when I felt a very powerful shake. I stopped and saw people and patients running out of the hospital," Raprap Rafael, a resident of Kidapawan City, told Reuters. A community at the foot of a mountain had to evacuate because of more than 200 aftershocks, Palmer Bernalte, a Kidapawan city disaster official, told CNN Philippines channel.

Death toll rises to three from Philippines earthquake

One lost life and dozens injured when a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the southern Philippines late on Wednesday.

Massive earthquake jolts Philippines

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, opening cracks in some buildings, sending residents running from shops and offices and knocking out power.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the earthquake, which also shook Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country.

The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck 69 km&nbsp;north-northwest of General Santos, Mindanao at 1137 GMT. The epicentre was about 80 km southwest of central Davao.

"We felt a very strong jolt and there was a blackout. I saw people rushing down. We were panicking, heading to the exit," said Naru Guarda Cabaddu, a hotel consultant visiting Kidapawan City, between the epicentre of the quake and Davao.

The quake struck at a depth of 14 km.

"So far, we are on rapid assessment mode. There's no major damage based on initial report," Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista told CNN Philippines channel. "No reports have come in that we have casualties."

Renato Solidum, head of the Philippines seismic agency told ANC news channel there was a chance of aftershocks after the quake, considered strong and capable of causing severe damage.

"Aftershocks can happen. Some can be felt most likely in low intensities. But we cannot remove the possibility of similar intensities that can be felt in the epicentral area," he said.

The Philippines is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, opening cracks in some buildings, sending residents running from shops and offices and knocking out power.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck central Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, opening cracks in some buildings, sending residents running from shops and offices and knocking out power. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the earthquake, which also shook Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte and among the most populous cities in the country. The United States Geological Survey said the quake struck 69 km north-northwest of General Santos, Mindanao at 1137 GMT. The epicentre was about 80 km southwest of central Davao. "We felt a very strong jolt and there was a blackout. I saw people rushing down. We were panicking, heading to the exit," said Naru Guarda Cabaddu, a hotel consultant visiting Kidapawan City, between the epicentre of the quake and Davao. The quake struck at a depth of 14 km. "So far, we are on rapid assessment mode. There's no major damage based on initial report," Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista told CNN Philippines channel. "No reports have come in that we have casualties." Renato Solidum, head of the Philippines seismic agency told ANC news channel there was a chance of aftershocks after the quake, considered strong and capable of causing severe damage. "Aftershocks can happen. Some can be felt most likely in low intensities. But we cannot remove the possibility of similar intensities that can be felt in the epicentral area," he said. The Philippines is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes.

Strong magnitude-6.4 earthquake hits Philippines' Mindanao

Typhoon Hagibis: How Japan bounces back from earthquakes and other natural calamities

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning. 
 
Quoting Pakistan Meteorological Department, ARY News, the epicentre of the quake, with a depth of 15 kilometres, was 12 km north-west of Jehlum's course in the Valley. 
 
Mirpur and adjoining areas were shaken by tremors at 10:28 a.m. (local time) for two to three seconds. 
 
Rescue sources were quoted as saying that tremors in the area resulted in a house to collapse, burying three under the debris, with two shifted to a hospital for treatment. 
 
Last month, at least 40 people were killed and 800 were injured when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the Kashmiri city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province. 
 
Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Charsadda, Swat, Khyber, Abbottabad, Bajaur, Nowshera, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar and Kohistan.

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning.

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning. Quoting Pakistan Meteorological Department, ARY News, the epicentre of the quake, with a depth of 15 kilometres, was 12 km north-west of Jehlum's course in the Valley. Mirpur and adjoining areas were shaken by tremors at 10:28 a.m. (local time) for two to three seconds. Rescue sources were quoted as saying that tremors in the area resulted in a house to collapse, burying three under the debris, with two shifted to a hospital for treatment. Last month, at least 40 people were killed and 800 were injured when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the Kashmiri city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Charsadda, Swat, Khyber, Abbottabad, Bajaur, Nowshera, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar and Kohistan.

One dead as earthquake of 3.8 magnitude strikes Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday visited earthquake affected Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Khan held a meeting with PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider and was briefed about the losses as well as rescue and rehabilitation measure.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur and National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal, Dawn reported.

Khan also visited divisional headquarters hospital to inquire about the health of survivors.

Last week, two earthquakes struck PoK and adjoining areas. Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan`s Punjab.

Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged.

Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster.

Khan was in New York to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly at the time of the disaster.

The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake.

However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet.

Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses. They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday visited earthquake affected Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Khan held a meeting with PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider and was briefed about the losses as well as rescue and rehabilitation measure.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday visited earthquake affected Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Khan held a meeting with PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider and was briefed about the losses as well as rescue and rehabilitation measure. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur and National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal, Dawn reported. Khan also visited divisional headquarters hospital to inquire about the health of survivors. Last week, two earthquakes struck PoK and adjoining areas. Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan`s Punjab. Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged. Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster. Khan was in New York to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly at the time of the disaster. The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake. However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet. Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses. They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.

Imran Khan visits earthquake-hit Mirpur district in PoK

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific off the coast of Chile on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

"There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage," the USGS said of the earthquake, which it earlier reported as a magnitude 7.2, and which occurred 41 miles (66 kilometres) west-southwest of Constitucion, Chile.

Chile's National Seismological Center (CSN) put the quake at 6.6 magnitude.

Despite the tremor's strength, there were no reports of injuries, impacts to basic services or damage to infrastructure, according to Chile's National Emergency Office (ONEMI).

There were also no tsunami warnings, advisories, watches or threats in the wake of the earthquake, according to the US Tsunami Warning System.

Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.

The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was, at 9.5, the strongest ever recorded on the magnitude scale, according to the USGS.

Chile lies on the Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific off the coast of Chile on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. "There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage," the USGS said of the earthquake, which it earlier reported as a magnitude 7.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific off the coast of Chile on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. "There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage," the USGS said of the earthquake, which it earlier reported as a magnitude 7.2, and which occurred 41 miles (66 kilometres) west-southwest of Constitucion, Chile. Chile's National Seismological Center (CSN) put the quake at 6.6 magnitude. Despite the tremor's strength, there were no reports of injuries, impacts to basic services or damage to infrastructure, according to Chile's National Emergency Office (ONEMI). There were also no tsunami warnings, advisories, watches or threats in the wake of the earthquake, according to the US Tsunami Warning System. Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was, at 9.5, the strongest ever recorded on the magnitude scale, according to the USGS. Chile lies on the Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake off Chile coast

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/death-toll-rises-to-37-in-pakistan-earthquake-as-families-bury-loved-ones-252018">earthquake-hit</a> areas of Mirpur district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday.

He will stay in PoK for two-day and will also inspect the nearby areas on Tuesday.

Khan would be briefed about the damage and rescue relief and rehabilitation operations reported Dawn.

Last week, two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-dead-several-injured-in-58-magnitude-quake-near-jhelum-pakistan-government-official-251783">earthquakes</a> struck PoK and adjoining areas.

Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan's Punjab.

Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged.

Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/differing-narratives-while-pm-modi-ticks-all-boxes-at-un-pak-pm-harps-on-kashmir-252145">Khan was in New York</a> to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly during the disaster.

The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake.

However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet.

Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses.

They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit earthquake-hit areas of Mirpur district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday. He will stay in PoK for two-day and will also inspect the nearby areas on Tuesday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit earthquake-hit areas of Mirpur district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday. He will stay in PoK for two-day and will also inspect the nearby areas on Tuesday. Khan would be briefed about the damage and rescue relief and rehabilitation operations reported Dawn. Last week, two earthquakes struck PoK and adjoining areas. Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan's Punjab. Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged. Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster. Khan was in New York to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly during the disaster. The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake. However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet. Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses. They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.

Imran Khan to visit earthquake-hit areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands rose to 30 on Sunday, including several toddlers, the disaster agency said.

On Thursday, terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude tremor struck, sparking landslides that buried at least one of the victims.

Among the confirmed dead were three young children, with many people killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city.

The region's governor has declared a state of emergency until October 9, the agency said.

"As of Sunday morning, 30 people died and 156 were injured," said national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo.

On Friday, the agency had revised down the official death toll of 23 to 19 after officials realised some of the deceased has been double-counted.

At least 25,000 people had to flee because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said previously.

Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities were also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchens for the evacuees in several districts.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth.

It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands rose to 30 on Sunday, including several toddlers, the disaster agency said.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands rose to 30 on Sunday, including several toddlers, the disaster agency said. On Thursday, terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude tremor struck, sparking landslides that buried at least one of the victims. Among the confirmed dead were three young children, with many people killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city. The region's governor has declared a state of emergency until October 9, the agency said. "As of Sunday morning, 30 people died and 156 were injured," said national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo. On Friday, the agency had revised down the official death toll of 23 to 19 after officials realised some of the deceased has been double-counted. At least 25,000 people had to flee because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said previously. Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities were also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchens for the evacuees in several districts. The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Indonesia quake death toll rises to 30: Government

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters.

Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them with the 6.5-magnitude tremor sparking landslides that buried at least one victim on Thursday.

Among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/infant-among-at-least-20-killed-in-indonesian-quake-officials-252221">confirmed dead was an infant</a>, with many killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city.

"The total number of people who died is 23," national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement.&nbsp;

More than 100 people were also injured and at least 15,000 people had to evacuate because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said.

Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities have also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchen for the evacuees in several districts.&nbsp;

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth.&nbsp;

It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.&nbsp;

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.&nbsp;

Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week.&nbsp;

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters. Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them with the 6.5-magnitude tremor sparking landslides that buried at least one victim on Thursday. Among the confirmed dead was an infant, with many killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city. "The total number of people who died is 23," national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement. More than 100 people were also injured and at least 15,000 people had to evacuate because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said. Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities have also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchen for the evacuees in several districts. The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Indonesia earthquake toll rises to 23

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured Thursday in a strong earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands, triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims, the disaster agency said.

Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude quake hit in the morning.

"At least 100 people were injured and more than 2,000 evacuated," said national disaster mitigation spokesman Agus Wibowo who gave the latest death toll in statement.

Among those killed was an infant, he said.

Earlier, local disaster agency officials said some victims had been killed by falling debris while one person was buried in a landslide.

Another victim died of a heart attack as the tremor hit, while one woman died after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, officials said.

Residents of Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground.

Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said.

"The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).

"Many people were woken up by the shaking it felt like a truck was passing by."

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitude, Triyono said.

An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck.

Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor.

"It was a really hard shock," he said.

"Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds."

'No need to panic'

Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency.

Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm.

"People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island.

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction -a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand.

Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week.

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured Thursday in a strong earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands, triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims, the disaster agency said.

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured Thursday in a strong earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands, triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims, the disaster agency said. Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them when the 6.5-magnitude quake hit in the morning. "At least 100 people were injured and more than 2,000 evacuated," said national disaster mitigation spokesman Agus Wibowo who gave the latest death toll in statement. Among those killed was an infant, he said. Earlier, local disaster agency officials said some victims had been killed by falling debris while one person was buried in a landslide. Another victim died of a heart attack as the tremor hit, while one woman died after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, officials said. Residents of Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground. Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said. "The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). "Many people were woken up by the shaking it felt like a truck was passing by." The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitude, Triyono said. An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck. Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor. "It was a really hard shock," he said. "Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds." 'No need to panic' Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency. Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm. "People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction -a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand. Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Infant among at least 20 killed in Indonesian quake: Officials

A shallow tremor sent terrified people running into the streets in northeastern Pakistan on Thursday, days after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-rises-to-37-in-pakistan-earthquake-as-families-bury-loved-ones-252005">powerful quake killed 38 people </a>in the same area and destroyed infrastructure and roads.&nbsp;

An AFP reporter in the city of Mirpur in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir described the ground shaking, while Pakistan's top meteorologist, Muhammad Riaz, said the epicentre of the 4.4-magnitude tremor was 12 kilometres (seven miles) deep.

"It's hell. I am running to save my life," Mohammad Bilal, told AFP moments after the tremor.

"I thought most of the building would have tumbled down," said Sagheer Ahmad. "Allah is very kind to us."

The US Geological Survey put the quake at 4.7 magnitude and 10 kilometres deep, adding that it had struck just four kilometres outside of Mirpur.&nbsp;

City residents huddled in the streets, some still barefoot, others reciting verses from the Koran. Some patients were also evacuated from a nearby hospital.

The tremor came as rescuers continued to pick through toppled buildings to reach victims from Tuesday's earthquake.&nbsp;

Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes.

In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people, flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts.

The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake on October 8, 2005, that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

A shallow tremor sent terrified people running into the streets in northeastern Pakistan on Thursday, days after a powerful quake killed 38 people in the same area and destroyed infrastructure and roads.

A shallow tremor sent terrified people running into the streets in northeastern Pakistan on Thursday, days after a powerful quake killed 38 people in the same area and destroyed infrastructure and roads. An AFP reporter in the city of Mirpur in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir described the ground shaking, while Pakistan's top meteorologist, Muhammad Riaz, said the epicentre of the 4.4-magnitude tremor was 12 kilometres (seven miles) deep. "It's hell. I am running to save my life," Mohammad Bilal, told AFP moments after the tremor. "I thought most of the building would have tumbled down," said Sagheer Ahmad. "Allah is very kind to us." The US Geological Survey put the quake at 4.7 magnitude and 10 kilometres deep, adding that it had struck just four kilometres outside of Mirpur. City residents huddled in the streets, some still barefoot, others reciting verses from the Koran. Some patients were also evacuated from a nearby hospital. The tremor came as rescuers continued to pick through toppled buildings to reach victims from Tuesday's earthquake. Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes. In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people, flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts. The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake on October 8, 2005, that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Shallow tremor rocks quake-hit area in Pakistan days after 38 killed

Four people have died after a strong earthquake struck Indonesia's remote Maluku islands Thursday, destroying homes and triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims.

Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them after the 6.5-magnitude quake hit at around 8:45 local time (0045 GMT).

Two people were killed by falling debris, another died after being buried in a landslide while a woman was killed after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency and the local search and rescue office.

People in Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground.

Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said.

"The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

"Many people were woken up by the shaking, it felt like a truck was passing by."

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitudes, Triyono said.

An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck.

Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor.

"It was a really hard shock," he told AFP.

"Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds."

'No need to panic'

Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency.

Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm.

"People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth.

It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island.

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction, a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand.

Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week.

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.&nbsp;

Four people have died after a strong earthquake struck Indonesia's remote Maluku islands Thursday, destroying homes and triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims.

Four people have died after a strong earthquake struck Indonesia's remote Maluku islands Thursday, destroying homes and triggering landslides that buried at least one of the victims. Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them after the 6.5-magnitude quake hit at around 8:45 local time (0045 GMT). Two people were killed by falling debris, another died after being buried in a landslide while a woman was killed after falling off her motorbike while fleeing to higher ground, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency and the local search and rescue office. People in Ambon, a city of about 400,000 people, were seen helping injured residents in blood-stained clothes, while images showed wrecked homes with collapsed walls and rubble-strewn on the ground. Some patients fled a local hospital as the quake hit, prompting officials to set up makeshift shelters outside the building, an official said. "The impact was felt across Ambon city and surrounding areas," said Rahmat Triyono, head of the earthquake and tsunami division at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). "Many people were woken up by the shaking, it felt like a truck was passing by." The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The area was hit by at least two dozen aftershocks including one that measured 5.6 magnitudes, Triyono said. An AFP reporter in Ambon described scenes of panic as people fled their houses when the quake struck. Architect Suryanto Soekarno said a construction site where he and his employees were working was rocked by the tremor. "It was a really hard shock," he told AFP. "Filing cabinets fell over and my employees ran away to save themselves. Some were injured but thank God only with minor wounds." 'No need to panic' Initial reports said the quake struck offshore, but later analysis found it hit onshore, raising the potential for damage, according to Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency. Local BMKG head Oral Sem Wilar called for calm. "People were panicking and started to evacuate in some places, but we are trying to tell them there's no need to panic because there's no tsunami threat," he told AFP. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. In August, five people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. The force of the impact saw entire neighbourhoods levelled by liquefaction, a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand. Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Four dead after strong quake rocks eastern Indonesia

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