An earthquake in Afghanistan northeastern province of Kunar has left hundreds feared dead and many others injured, officials confirmed on Monday. The 6-magnitude quake struck at midnight destroying mud and stone houses in remote mountain villages.
According to the health ministry, at least 30 people were killed in a single village though the total number of casualties is expected to rise as rescuers efforts continue. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the ministry said, “The number of casualties and injuries is high, but since the area is difficult to access, our teams are still on site.”
Local authorities reported that hundreds of injured people have been shifted to hospitals and said more cases are being reported from remote districts where damaged roads are slowing rescue efforts.
READ MORE: Earthquake Jolts Several Cities in Pakistan, Including Islamabad
The quake hit at a depth of 10 kilometers near the border with Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush region where tectonic plates meet.
Last year, a series of powerful quakes in western Afghanistan killed more than 1,000 people exposing the country fragile infrastructure.
READ MORE: Death Toll from Afghanistan Earthquake Crosses 800
