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KABUL. — Preliminary reports collected across Afghanistan confirmed that 34 were killed and 212 injured due to the earthquake that struck parts of the country yesterday, said Ismael Kawasi, spokesman for public health ministry. “The preliminary reports we have collected from different parts of the country have confirmed 34 dead and 212 others injured,” Kawasi told Xinhua.

A powerful earthquake measuring 7,5 on the Richter scale struck parts of Afghanistan including capital Kabul city yesterday afternoon. According to the official, hundreds of houses have been destroyed or badly damaged. The epicentre of the quake is said to be in Jarm district in the northern Badakhshan province.

Meanwhile, Gul Mohammad Bedar, deputy to governor of Badakhshan province has confirmed 14 dead and 71 others injured.

Najibullah Kamawal, director of public health department in eastern Nangarhar province, told media that seven dead and 72 injured of the quake victims have been taken to hospitals.

“Twelve students of Bibi Hajira girls school lost their lives as part of the school building destroyed due to the quake in Takhar province,” spokesman for Takhar provincial government, Sunatullah Timor told Xinhua.

Speaking to local media, Minister for Natural Disaster Affairs, Wais Barmak said the number of casualties could increase as the concerned entities have been collecting reports on casualties and damage across the country. — Xinhua.