Kabul, Sep 1 (V7N) – A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night (August 31), killing more than 250 people and leaving at least 500 injured, according to the country’s Information Ministry. Officials warned that the death toll is likely to rise as rescuers struggle to reach remote areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake hit at 11:17 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad in Kunar province. The quake registered 6.0 magnitude on the Richter scale and struck at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers.

Heavy casualties were reported in the districts of Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara, where many homes collapsed. Rescue efforts have been hampered by blocked roads and ongoing aftershocks.

“Unfortunately, tonight's earthquake has caused loss of life and extensive damage in several of our eastern provinces,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s acting administration. He added that local authorities, residents, and aid teams from neighboring provinces are engaged in emergency rescue operations.

The USGS confirmed that at least two strong aftershocks followed the main quake, including one measuring 5.2 magnitude, compounding fears and complicating rescue efforts.

The tremors were felt in Kabul, nearly 200 kilometers from the epicenter, and in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, some 400 kilometers away.

Afghanistan, which is prone to earthquakes due to its location along major fault lines, has suffered several devastating quakes in recent years, with fragile infrastructure and limited resources making rescue and recovery operations especially difficult.

END/SMA/AJ