An earthquake in Afghanistan this morning (22) has caused great loss of life and property, according to foreign reports. The quake, which measured 6.1 on the Richter scale, killed at least 250 people and injured more than 150, according to media reports.

The epicentre was reported 40 kilometres south of Khost, Afghanistan, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Strong earthquake shakes remote areas of southeastern Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan The death toll could rise further, according to media reports.

Al Jazeera’s al-Latifi reported from Kabul that authorities had destroyed at least 100 homes.
Authorities have requested that helicopters be brought to aid agencies. But it is a remote area and difficult to reach, ”he said. The epicentre was reported below the Pacific Ocean floor, however; no tsunami alert was issued.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the quake-affected Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.