Deadly Earthquake Felt Across South Asia

State-run Pakistani TV says 94 people have died as a result of a powerful earthquake in neighboring Afghanistan, bringing the region-wide toll from the disaster to 129.

Afghan officials say 33 people were killed nation-wide in Monday’s quake, including 12 schoolgirls who were trampled to death while trying to get out of swaying buildings. Another two people died in India-controlled parts of the disputed Kashmir region.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 and occurred at a depth of 212 kilometers (130 miles).

Mohammad Hanif, a top official at Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, says Monday’s quake did not cause massive destruction because the epicenter was so deep.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a tweet Monday afternoon after the earthquake, saying: “I pray for everyone’s safety.”

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.

Guest

• Shahzeb Jillani, correspondent for the BBC. He tweets @ShahzebJillani.

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