Kabul: The death toll from the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces in eastern Afghanistan today has risen to 500, with more than 1,000 others injured, as rescue teams continue operations under difficult conditions.
According to Oman News Agency, the powerful quake leveled entire villages built of mud and stone, while landslides blocked major roads and communication outages hampered relief efforts.
Local authorities said Kunar was the hardest-hit province, particularly in the districts of Nurgal, Sawkay, Watapur, Manogay, and Chapa Dara, where at least 500 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured. In neighboring Nangarhar, nine people were confirmed dead and dozens injured.