The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake struck about 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) southwest of the city of Ghost, near the country’s border with Pakistan, at 1:24 p.m.
According to the USGS, the quake was reported at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
The death toll has been reported in Parmal, Zirok, Nika and Qian districts of Bhaktika province, and more than 600 people have been injured, Bhaktar said.
Local officials and residents have warned that the death toll is likely to rise, according to Bucker. CNN could not independently confirm the devotee’s statement.
Photographs of Bhaktika province in the south of the coast show ruined houses with only one wall or two still standing amid the ruins and broken roof beams.
The USGS set aside a yellow alert for earthquakes, indicating that the possibility of some casualties and the impact should be relatively localized. The full details of the casualties are not yet clear.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said its teams were on the ground for an emergency response, including administering medication, trauma services and conducting on-demand assessments.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif expressed his condolences and support in a tweet on Wednesday. “I am deeply saddened to learn that there was an earthquake in Afghanistan and that innocent lives were lost as a result,” he wrote. “The people of Pakistan share the grief and sorrow of their Afghan brothers. The relevant authorities are working to support Afghanistan at this time of need.”
This is a growing story.
