AFGHANISTAN – At least 800 people died and over 2,800 others were injured after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit Afghanistan’s eastern region late Sunday.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at 11.47 pm local time (1917GMT), located 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad at a depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles).

A ministry official said that casualties have been reported in Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapa Dara districts of Kunar province.

He said the figures for the number of dead and injured are not final because officials are still communicating with local residents in many remote areas and aid teams are on their way.

Roads leading to Dewa Gul in Sawki district and Mazar Dara in Nur Gul district have been blocked due to landslides, causing difficulties for rescue teams to reach the affected areas, he added.

Locals described it as one of the most powerful earthquakes to have hit the country.

Afghanistan interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the earthquake caused casualties.

“Sadly, tonight’s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces,” he wrote on the US social media company X’s platform.

Mujahid said local officials and residents are engaged in rescue efforts, with support teams from central and nearby provinces heading to the area.

“All available resources will be utilized to save lives,” he added.

At least two other earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.2 struck the same area following the major one, according to the USGS.