Massive earthquake in Afghanistan; more than 500 people killed, death toll likely to rise

KABUL: A report has claimed that more than 500 people were killed and over 1000 people were injured in a massive earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan. The earthquake, which measured 6.0 on the Richter scale, affected districts such as Noor Gul, Soki, Watapur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara. Tremors were also felt in some parts of Pakistan.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 11.47 pm local time. Medis reported that the epicentre was located about 27 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, at a depth of 8 kilometres. The country has reported extensive damage.

Health Minister Sharafat Zaman said that the death toll and injuries are very high and that rescue personnel are finding it difficult to reach the affected areas. Provincial information officer of Kunar, Najibullah Hanif, added that the injured have been shifted to hospitals and that the death toll is expected to rise as reports come in from remote districts.