A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck in Paktika and Khost provinces in Afghanistan early Wednesday morning local time.
The powerful earthquake struck a rural, mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan early Wednesday morning killing at least 1,000 people and injuring 1,500 more, according to a state-run news agency. Officials warned that the already grim toll would likely rise.
Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of State for Disaster Management Mawlawi Sharafuddin Muslim said that the government would provide emergency relief to those affected by the earthquake.
“The Islamic Emirate will pay 100,000 AFN ($1,116.19) for the families of those who were killed in the earthquake and 50,000 ($558.10) will be paid to families of those injured,” Sharafuddin Muslim said.
“Islamic Republic of Afghanistan calls for the generous support of all countries international organizations individuals and foundations to provide and deliver urgent humanitarian aid,” A press statement by the diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan said.
