The death toll from a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan has risen to 1,000, while 1,500 people have been injured. The 6.1-magnitude quake struck rural and mountainous areas of eastern Afghanistan bordering Pakistan. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was 40 kilometers from the Afghan city of Khost.
According to Afghan authorities, many houses have collapsed, and many people have been killed by debris. Relief and rescue are currently underway. However, the death toll could likely rise further. Helicopters have been sent to the scene for rescue operations.
Mohammad Nasim Haqqani, head of the Taliban government’s disaster management authority, said most deaths had been confirmed in the neighboring province of Paktika. In addition, several people were killed and injured in four districts. The European Mediterranean Seismological Center said the quake was up to 500 kilometers.