DUSHANBE (TAJIKISTAN): An earthquake of about 6.8 magnitude has hit Eastern Tajikistan at around 5.37 am on Thursday. The US Geological survey informed that the quake struck at a depth of about 20.5 kilometres. A 5.0 magnitude aftershock hit the area about 20 minutes later. There are no reports of casualties or damage so far.

The epicentre of the earthquake is near Gorno-Badakhshan between the borders of Afghanistan and China. The territory has very little population and is surrounded by Pamir mountains. The rescue team has reached the spot.