Media in Afghanistan say a powerful earthquake has left over 1,000 people dead, and officials fear the toll could rise. More than 1,500 others were injured when the quake struck the eastern provinces of Khost and Paktika.

The US Geological Survey says the magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred early Wednesday local time.

Authorities in Paktika province told NHK that the temblor toppled houses.

They say rescue teams have been sent to affected areas. Officials in Khost say the quake destroyed stone houses and injured many people in the province.

The disaster is the first major earthquake to hit Afghanistan since Taliban forces took over the country last year, cutting off millions of dollars in humanitarian aid.