DATE= 03/26/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287983

TITLE=AFGHAN QUAKE (S ONLY)

BYLINE=GARY THOMAS

DATELINE=KABUL

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: An strong earthquake struck northern Afghanistan Monday night. There are varying reports on the death toll -- ranging from several hundred to as high as 18-hundred. V-O-A Correspondent Gary Thomas reports from Kabul.

TEXT: The earthquake struck Monday night about 7:30, Afghan time. Narin, in remote Baghlan Province took the brunt of the earthquake, which measured at least five-point-eight on the open-ended Richter scale. Aftershocks were felt for several hours.

Early reports are sketchy, but the death and injury toll is believed to be heavy. United Nations and private relief agencies say there was widespread damage to homes and shops. Agencies immediately began mobilizing aid for victims in the stricken area.

Seismologists report the epicenter was some 120 kilometers north of Kabul. The quake was felt in the Afghan capital, but only briefly and no damage was reported.

The region is prone to earthquakes. Seventy people died in Sanmangan Province, northwest of Baghlan, in a quake on March Third. That earthquake measured six-point-seven on the Richter scale. (signed)

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