Kunar, Sep 01 (V7N) – The death toll from a powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday (August 31) has risen to 622, with more than 1,500 injured. Authorities have warned that the numbers may continue to rise as many people remain missing in the affected areas.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 11:47 pm local time, with a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers (5 miles). It was followed by at least three aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.5 to 5.2.

The hardest-hit areas are in Kunar province, including the Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara districts, where many residents were asleep at the time of the quake and are feared trapped under rubble.

The Taliban government stated that local administrations and residents have already begun rescue operations, though the remote mountainous terrain is hampering relief efforts. Officials have called on international aid agencies to provide assistance and equipment to reach isolated communities.

Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that aid teams from central and neighboring provinces are on their way to support rescue and relief operations in the affected regions.

The earthquake was felt in several nearby areas, and initial reports indicate extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

END/SMA/AJ