More than 180 people killed in earthquake in Afghanistan and Pakistan

An earthquake has killed at least 180 people in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck today, Monday October 26, in the north of Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush mountain range. Twelve students have been reported dead after trying to flee a girls´ school in Taloqan in north east Afghanistan.

Kabul was left without power in many areas where phone lines were down so communication could not be made immediately with the authorities.

In the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, buildings were shaking for two minutes as office workers ran into the streets.

Rashid Javed, Plan International´s country director for Pakistan, said: “After an earthquake like this, access to clean water and proper sanitation is vital. People also need to be aware of the dangers of aftershocks, especially as they are being repeatedly felt across the region.”