Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers help to Afghanistan, Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today offered assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan as a major earthquake struck the region with epicentre in Afghanistan.

He said he has asked for urgent assessment of the damage caused by the quake which also hit many parts of India.

"Heard about strong earthquake in Afghanistan-Pakistan region whose tremors have been felt in parts of India. I pray for everyone's safety," Modi tweeted.

"I have asked for an urgent assessment and we stand ready for assistance where required, including Afghanistan & Pakistan," the Prime Minister added.

A powerful 7.5 magnitude quake, epicentred about 250 kms from the capital Kabul in Jarm in Afghanistan's northeast, also shook Pakistan and India. The quake lasted about one minute.