Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: The death toll from Monday’s powerful earthquake has risen to 76, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) said on Tuesday.
At least 268 people were injured and 4,000 houses damaged by the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck major cities including Kabul, Jalalabad, Faizabad, Taloqan and Asadabad.
ANDMA chief Wais Ahmad Barmak said the quake caused losses and casualties in 14 northern, central and eastern provinces of the country. Most of the casualties occurred in Badakhshan province.
He said 13 people were killed and 24 others injured in Badakhshan, where the temblor originated. Rescue operations have been launched and cash aid is being distributed to the affected people.
Barmak added ANDMA distributed 50,000 afghanis to each of 13 families affected by the tragedy in northern Takhar province.
“The earthquake has also affected remote areas of the country. We want to deliver aid to remote areas as well but insecurity is an obstacle. We urge the militants not to create problems for our teams,” he said.
Barmak did not provide details about casualties and losses. The epicentre was located in Jurm district. The US Geological Survey initially measured the quake’s intensity at 7.7, but then revised it to 7.5. (PAN)
