A strong earthquake has struck Afghanistan, killing more than 600 people and injuring over 1,500. Rescue teams used helicopters to lift survivors from collapsed buildings while searching remote villages for anyone trapped under the rubble.

The 6.0-magnitude quake hit the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, destroying homes and wiping out three villages in Kunar. Officials confirmed 610 deaths in Kunar and 12 in Nangarhar.

Afghanistan’s military carried out 40 flights to transport more than 420 injured or deceased people as aid efforts increased. This earthquake is the deadliest the country has faced since June 2022, when over 1,000 people lost their lives.

Afghanistan, already struggling with serious humanitarian problems and reduced foreign aid, has yet to receive international support for relief operations.