On Thursday a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit in the east of Tajikistan around 5:37(0037 GMT).
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EARTHQUAKE STRUCK EARLY MORNING
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck around 5:37 am local time (0037 GMT) at a depth of about 20.5 kilometres.
The USGS estimated that “little or no population” would be exposed to landslides from the earthquake, and the Tajik emergency committee later said that no victims or damage were reported.
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SAME REGION HIT BY DEADLY AVALANCHES
The quake struck the mountainous Gorno-Badakhshan region which was earlier this month hit by a series of deadly avalanches. A 5.0-magnitude aftershock hit the area about 20 minutes after the initial earthquake, followed by a 4.6-magnitude quake.
The area is surrounded by the towering Pamir Mountains, some reaching 7,000 metres above sea level, and is home to Lake Sarez.
The aquamarine-coloured water was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1911 and is among Tajikistan’s largest lakes. Located behind Lake Sarez is a natural dam deep in the Pamir Mountains, and experts have warned of catastrophic consequences if the dam were breached.
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Tajik authorities said that there was no sign of the lake being disturbed by the quake.
NO DAMAGE REPORTED
There were no reports of casualties either in Tajikistan or in China. Power supply and communication remained normal in Kashgar, Xinhua reported.
The Xinjiang railroad department called a halt to passenger trains running on the Aksu to Kashgar section of the Southern Xinjiang railway.
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In the nearby Rushon district of Gorno-Badakhshan, a resident said many people rushed outside after being woken up by the earthquake, which was followed by at least two aftershocks.
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