An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale jolted eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border late on Sunday.
At least 250 people have died in the Kunar province, the Taliban-run Bakhtar state news agency said on Monday as it reported a much higher toll than what was initially reported.
About 500 people are said to be injured, the agency added.
What do we know about the earthquake in Afghanistan?
The quake's epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Jalalabad is about 119 kilometers (74 miles) away from the capital city, Kabul.
The quake occurred at a depth of 8 kilometers (6 miles) and struck the region at 11:47 p.m. local time (9:17 p.m. CET), according to USGS.
A second earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 followed roughly 20 minutes later in the same province. This was later followed by a 5.2 quake.
Taliban spokesman says rescue efforts ongoing
"Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted to X, adding there were deaths and structural and financial damage in some of the eastern provinces.
He said support teams from Kabul and nearby provinces were on their way to sites damaged in the powerful quake.
In October 2023, more than 2,000 people were killed after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the country.
The 2023 earthquake is considered the deadliest natural disaster tohit the country in recent memory.
