TRAGEDY: Afghanistan Earthquake Kills 500, Hundreds Injured

A powerful earthquake in Afghanistan has killed at least 250 people and left hundreds more injured. Rescue efforts are underway amid fears the toll could rise.

500 Killed as Major Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

A strong earthquake hit Afghanistan’s Kunar province late last night and killed at least 500 people while injuring hundreds.

The epicenter of the earthquake was 8 kilometers deep in Jalalabad city, according to Afghan news outlet Tolo News, and had a magnitude of 6. Five additional aftershocks were also experienced after the earthquake, with magnitudes between 4.3 and 5.2.

The Afghan Ministry of Disaster Management announced that the greatest number of casualties were in Nurgal, Sawakai, Watapur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara districts, where several villages were totally buried.

Hundreds of people are feared trapped under the debris.

Rescue efforts are on, and personnel from the ministries of defense, interior, and health have arrived on the spot. The wounded are being airlifted to Nangarhar Regional Hospital.

Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in a message on social media, said the earthquake that hit tonight inflicted casualties and property damage, and local government and people are working with the affected population in relief operations.

He added that rescue teams have been sent from the center and adjacent provinces to join the rescue and rehabilitation process in the affected region.

Tremors of the earthquake were also experienced in Nangarhar, Laghman, Kabul, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.