A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan around midnight Sunday, killing at least 812 people and injuring more than 2,800, according to official figures released Monday.
Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the worst-hit areas included Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces, where several villages were destroyed.
"At least 800 people have so far been killed and 2,500 others injured in Kunar. The earthquake struck the districts of Nur Gul, Soki, Watapur, Manogi, and Chapadara, and other areas in Kunar province. One thing I need to clarify is that our rescue teams have reached the Mazardara area of the Nur Gul district but have yet to share the latest update," said Mujahid.
He added that 12 people were killed and 255 injured in the Dara-i-Noor district of Nangarhar province, while 58 people were injured and dozens of houses destroyed in Laghman's Alingar district.
In Nuristan's Noragaram district, four people were injured, and in Panjshir's Abshar district, five houses were destroyed though no casualties were reported.
Rescue operations are continuing as teams rush to remote districts, he said.
"The Afghan government's teams have reached the areas affected by last night's earthquake, but NGO teams are making their plans first and then dispatching their teams to such places. However, it will take some time," Mujahid said.
At least 812 people killed in east Afghanistan earthquake
