KUNAR:  An earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night has killed at least 250 people and injured more than 500 in Kunar province, according to officials from the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA). The casualties were reported in the districts of Nurgal, Sawkay, Watapur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara.

ANDMA officials have stated that the numbers of dead and injured are not final, as communication is still ongoing with residents in remote areas.

Several villages in Nurgal have been buried under soil, with an estimated hundreds more trapped. Residents are appealing for aid to help retrieve the injured and deceased.

The initial quake measured 6.0 on the Richter scale with an epicenter in Jalalabad city and was followed by two aftershocks of 5.2 and a final one of 4.7 magnitude.

According to ANDMA, the epicenter was near Jalalabad city, and the tremors also caused casualties in Nangarhar and Laghman provinces.

Rescue teams from the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and Public Health have arrived in the region, with the injured being airlifted to Nangarhar Regional Hospital.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, publicly stated and directed local officials to use all available resources for the rescue operation.