KABUL, Afghanistan — An earthquake of 5.5 magnitude has rattled the Hindu Kush region of northern Afghanistan, but there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey says that the quake occurred Monday at 4:29 p.m. local time. The epicenter, in the southern end of Badakhshan province, is 175 miles (280 kilometers) northeast of the Afghan capital of Kabul, where the quake was felt for about 15 seconds. It also was detected in neighboring Afghan provinces and created slight tremors in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. Badakhshan provincial governor spokesman Rashk who, like many Afghans goes by one name, said he had not received any reports of damage.
