KARACHI, Sept 1 — Authorities have launched a major rescue operation in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck late Sunday while most residents were asleep, killing more than 250 people, officials said Monday.
An Information Ministry official told Anadolu Ajansi (AA) that helicopters had been deployed to rescue and airlift the injured, as landslides blocked roads and prevented rescue teams from reaching several affected areas.
The official said more than 250 people were confirmed dead and at least 500 injured, with the toll expected to rise.
Locals described the quake as one of the most powerful to hit the country in recent years.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at 11.47pm local time (1917GMT), 27km east-northeast of Jalalabad at a depth of eight kilometres.
Casualties were reported in Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapa Dara districts of Kunar province.
The official added that the figures were not final as communication with residents in remote areas was ongoing and aid teams were still en route.
Roads leading to Dewa Gul in Sawki district and Mazar Dara in Nur Gul district were among those blocked by landslides.
Afghanistan interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the earthquake had 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 platform X.
He said local officials and residents were engaged in rescue operations, with support teams from central and nearby provinces dispatched to the affected areas.
“All available resources will be utilised to save lives,” he added.
The USGS reported that at least two other earthquakes, each measuring 5.2 in magnitude, struck the same area after the initial tremor.
