Hundreds Reportedly Dead After Earthquake In Afghanistan

A late Sunday earthquake in Afghanistan left at least 800 dead and 2,500 injured, according to multiple reports.

The shallow 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck at 11:47 p.m., 17 miles east-northeast of Jalalabad, the U.S. Geological Survey said, according to The Associated Press.

The casualties and injuries were focused in Kunar, the outlet reported, citing the Taliban government’s chief spokesman. Many of the buildings in Afghanistan are poorly constructed and made from concrete and brick, The Associated Press reported.

A spokesperson for the Afghan Public Health Ministry, Sharafat Zaman, said that due to the inaccessibility of the area, “it will take time to get the exact information about human losses and damage to the infrastructure,” NBC News reported. (RELATED: ‘Pool Of Blood’: Attendee Found Dead At ‘Burning Man’ Festival)

The Taliban’s chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said a special committee was formed to aid the victims in evacuation and the delivery of food and other essential supplies, according to the BBC.

The United Nations (UN) has launched a rescue operation on the ground, and India and Pakistan have both offered support to Afghanistan, according to the BBC.

The earthquake struck Afghanistan only days after the fourth anniversary of former President Joe Biden’s withdrawal of U.S. soldiers stationed in the region.

The decision resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and the Taliban’s takeover of the nation.