The quake occurred at 1:24 a.m. about 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) southwest of the city of Khost, near the country’s border with Pakistan, according to the Geological Survey. of the United States (USGS).
The quake was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the USGS.
According to Bakhtar, more than 600 people were injured in the districts of Barmal, Zirok, Nika and Giyan in Paktika province.
Local officials and residents have warned that the death toll is likely to rise, according to Bakhar. CNN cannot independently confirm Bakhtar’s report.
Photos from Paktika province, south of Khost province, show destroyed houses with only a wall or two still standing among the ruins and broken beams of the roof.
The USGS gave the earthquake a yellow alert level, indicating that there are potential casualties and that the impact should be relatively localized. The full casualty figures are unclear.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said its teams were on the ground for emergency response, including providing medication, trauma services and conducting needs assessments.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his condolences and offer of support in a tweet on Wednesday. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake in Afghanistan, which caused the loss of innocent lives,” he wrote. “The people of Pakistan share the grief and grief of their Afghan brothers. The competent authorities are working to support Afghanistan in this time of need.”
This is a developing story.