An earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale jolted 39 km off Ashkasham of northeastern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province on Sunday afternoon, the US Geological Survey said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 210.42 km, was initially determined to be at 36.492 degrees north latitude and 71.1563 degrees east longitude.

Strong tremors were also felt in Afghan capital Kabul, parts of Pakistan and India around 16:00 p.m. New Delhi time.

Indian media reported that the strong quake hit the Hindu Kush region.

Tremors were also felt in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, Indian-controlled Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, said meteorological officials in New Delhi.

People rushed outside from their homes and offices in New Delhi and Kabul, Xinhua's reporters witnessed.