BS News Agency Kabul: Strong Earthquake in Afghanistan, close to 800 dead. India stands by Afghanistan.
Suman Patra, Special Report: - The death toll from a strong earthquake in Afghanistan has risen to 800. Nearly 2,500 people have been injured. Al Jazeera reported this information, citing Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the country's ruling Taliban government.
At a press conference today, Monday, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, "At least 800 people have died in the earthquake. The death toll may rise further. The number of injured is about 2,500."
The Taliban Interior Ministry said that the earthquake occurred in the eastern part of the country at 11:47 pm local time on Sunday. Kunar province was the most affected by the earthquake. Nangarhar and Laghman provinces were also affected. Rescue operations are underway in the affected areas and the central government is making its best efforts.
After the earthquake, landslides have blocked roads in many places in remote mountainous areas. This is hampering rescue operations. Taliban officials have called on international aid agencies to help with air rescue operations.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake measured 6.0 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province and was 8 kilometers underground. The quake was followed by two aftershocks in the same area, each measuring 5.2.
The USGS has issued a warning, predicting economic and humanitarian damage after the quake. It also said action was needed at the regional or national level.