storey residential Margalla Tower located in the posh F-10 sector caved in. Several people were trapped in the debris. In Muzaffarabad, capital of Azad Kashmir, around 25 persons were killed, police said. Eight schoolchildren of Dudyal (Azad Kashmir) were killed when the roof of their school collapsed. People raced out of their houses and offices in panic as the quake struck with great intensity. They stayed out for hours fearing more tremors. Pakistan Army spokesman Maj-Gen Shaukat Sultan said that the earthquake caused widespread damage in the northern areas and Azad Kashmir. He said several buildings in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot cities were damaged. Sultan said roads and telecommunication system in different parts of Azad Kashmir and northern areas have been massively damaged. Reports of casualties and damage to property are pouring in. A massive rescue operation has been launched in the affected areas.
