, Sept. 1 -- A powerful earthquake near Afghanistan's eastern border with Pakistan leveled villages and caused widespread destruction late Sunday, leaving at least 250 people dead and 500 injured, officials said. Authorities warned the toll could climb as rescue teams reached affected areas.

The 6.0 magnitude quake struck at 11:47 p.m. in Kunar province, about 27 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad in neighboring Nangarhar province, at a shallow depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Shallow quakes typically cause greater damage.

The Kunar Disaster Management Authority reported that the worst-hit districts were Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapadare.

"Rescue operations are still und...