More than 500 people injured with death toll likely to rise as magnitude 6 quake wreaks havoc in Kunar province
Authorities have launched a major rescue operation in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province, which was struck by a magnitude 6.0 earthquake late Sunday when most residents were asleep, killing over 250 people, officials said Monday.
The administration has deployed choppers to rescue and airlift the injured as roads are blocked due to landslides which are preventing rescue teams from reaching several affected areas, an Information Ministry official told Anadolu.
More than 250 people have been killed and at least 500 injured, with the death toll likely to rise, the official added.
Locals described it as one of the most powerful earthquakes to have hit the country.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at 11.47 pm local time (1917GMT), located 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad at a depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles).
Casualties have been reported in Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapa Dara districts of Kunar province.
The official said the figures for the number of dead and injured are not final because officials are still communicating with local residents in many remote areas and aid teams are on their way.
Roads leading to Dewa Gul in Sawki district and Mazar Dara in Nur Gul district in particular have been blocked due to landslides.
Afghanistan’s interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the earthquake caused casualties.
"Sadly, tonight's earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces," he wrote on the US social media company X’s platform.
Mujahid said local officials and residents are engaged in rescue efforts, with support teams from central and nearby provinces heading to the area.
"All available resources will be utilized to save lives," he added.
At least two other earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.2 each struck the same area following the major one, according to the USGS.
