Hi All. Data on the NEIC website indicates the earthquake was widely felt in the area of Muzaffarabad with maximum intensity VIII. It was also widely felt in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. Intensity VII was reached at Swabi and Topi, Pakistan while intensity VI was reported at Srinagar, India, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Lakhnau, India, Hoshiarpur, India.

NewKerala.com (online Indian news source) indicates that thousands were feared killed in Pakistan while at least 260 died in Jammu and Kashmir. Widespread damage was reported from the North West Frontier Province and the capital of Islamabad. At least 500 were killed and 1700 injured in Mansehra district of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province.

Many villages are said to have been completely destroyed by the earthquake. Pledges of international aid were immediately made and help is being dispatched. Telephone and power was out in the affected area. Landslides were common following the mainshock and a series of strong aftershocks ranging from M 5.0-6.3. Many roads were cut by landslides and buildings collapsed in many areas.

This is the strongest earthquake in the region bounded by (30-40N 72-80E) in the past twenty years since a similar M 7.5 hit the area on August 23, 1985 about 500 km north of this epicenter in the Wuqia and Shufu area. That earthquake killed at least 71 and injured 162 while leaving up to 85% of the buildings destroyed and more than 15,000 homeless. Today's earthquake appears to be one of the most deadly ever to hit this region. Take Care…Don in creepy town