Afghanistan: A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Kunar province in northeastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, claiming the lives of around 600 people and injuring approximately 1,500 others. Tremors were also felt in parts of Pakistan, causing widespread fear.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported that the quake occurred at 00:47 IST with its epicentre at latitude 34.50°N, longitude 70.81°E, and a depth of 160 km. Following the main tremor, several aftershocks ranging between magnitude 4 and 5 were recorded, further alarming local residents.
In Nangarhar province, at least nine people lost their lives, and authorities fear the toll may rise as rescue teams face challenges reaching remote affected areas. “The number of casualties and injuries is high, but since the area is difficult to access, our teams are still on site,” said Health Minister Sharafat Zaman, according to The Times of India.
The earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth of 8–10 km, causing severe damage to houses in Kunar and nearby regions bordering Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rescue operations have been launched, and the injured are being shifted to local hospitals.
