Updated Sep. 24, 2019 9:52 PM
A powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake rattled northern Pakistan on Tuesday afternoon, local time.
The earthquake was centered between Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and was felt as far away as New Delhi.
Early reports indicate that at least 19 people have been killed and more than 300 injured according to India Today. These numbers may rise as rescue efforts continue across the region.
“The (most) damage is in areas between Jhelum and Mirpur,” said Lieutenant General Mohammad Afzal, the chief of Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority.
This map shows the epicenter and where shaking from the earthquake was reported. (USGS)
Social media reports illustrated the scope of the destruction following the temblor including damaged buildings and massive cracks in roadways that swallowed automobiles across northern Pakistan.
Witnesses reported at least one building collapsed as well as several wall collapses due to the quake in Mirpur, according to AFP.
The Pakistan military has been mobilized to conduct immediate rescue operations.
People stand outside their offices after an earthquake is felt in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Mainly dry weather will prevail into Wednesday across the region aiding in rescue and recovery efforts.
A rare surge of late September rainfall will reach affected areas by late Wednesday and remain in place into the weekend.
This rainfall will bring the risks for localized flooding and mudslides and may delay recovery efforts.
Nearly 400 people were killed in Pakistan and Afghanistan following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in October 2015.
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