Moderate earthquake hits Kashmir

An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit Kashmir valley early Friday causing panic but no casualties or damage.

The epicentre of the earthquake was in the Hindu Kush mountain range, officials here said.

The temblor triggered panic among residents in the valley with many rushing out of their homes.

"Homes swayed as people in our locality came out in the open. However, there was relief as the earth stopped shaking," said Manzoor Ahmad in Srinagar.

Earthquakes are common in this part of the world because of the proximity to the seismically active Hindu Kush region.