Afghanistan, Pakistan: Magnitude-4.3 aftershock in border region at around 06:13 AFT June 24 results in additional fatalities /update 4

Event

A magnitude-4.3 aftershock occurred in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region at around 06:13 AFT June 24. Reports indicate another five fatalities and more than 11 injuries occurred in the Gayan District of Paktika Province due to the aftershock.

Afghan authorities have confirmed at least 1,000 people in the Khost, Paktia, and Nangarhar provinces have died and another 2,000 people are injured after a magnitude-5.9 earthquake occurred in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region at around 01:24 AFT June 22. One person was killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. More than 10,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in affected areas. Authorities concluded search and rescue operations early June 24. Recent heavy rainfall and flooding, together with poor communication and road systems, are hampering relief and recovery efforts. The earthquake was followed by a magnitude-4.9 aftershock nearly an hour after the original quake, and further aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.

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. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.