Afghanistan, Pakistan: Over 270 people dead in eastern Afghanistan, after magnitude-5.9 earthquake occurs in border region around 01:24 AFT June 22 /update 2

Event

Afghan authorities said at least 270 people in the Khost, Paktia, and Nangarhar provinces have died after a magnitude-5.9 earthquake occurred in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region at around 01:24 AFT June 22. Local reports indicate over 150 others are injured in the worst-affected districts of Barmal, Gayan, Nika, and Zerok in Paktia Province, and around 95 people are wounded in the Sabari District of Khost Province. The official casualty count is likely to rise in the coming hours. There have been no reports of casualties or damage in Pakistan; however, some damage to structures, as well as aftershocks are possible.

Localized transport disruptions are likely in the affected areas in the coming days as emergency response and recovery operations continue. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter about 46 km (28 miles) southwest of Khost, Afghanistan.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.