A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 has shaken southwestern Pakistan. The jolt was felt across the country and in cities as far as Delhi and Dubai, but the epicentre was far from major population centers.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter was 55 kilometers west of Dalbandin, a town of about 15,000 people, and had a depth of 83 kilometers. In spite of its major strength, the great depth may mean damage will be limited.

There are no immediate reports of casualties or damage. In 2005, a 7.6 magnitude quake 95 kilometers northeast of the Pakistani capital Islamabad killed over 70,000 people.