DUSHANBE, October 28, 2015, Asia-Plus – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is responding to a massive earthquake that struck the mountainous border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Monday, as thousands of vulnerable local residents prepare to spend a second night sleeping outside in near freezing temperatures, according to a statement released by IOM.

The 7.5 magnitude earthquake was centered in Jurm district of northeastern Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, and was felt across the region.  Early reports suggest the death toll is approaching 300, with up to 2,000 injured, but little information has emerged yet from many remote areas.

Initial reports indicate damaged homes and potential casualties across northern, central and eastern Afghanistan, with Badakhshan province the most affected.  IOM has an office in Badakhshan’s capital Faizabad, which was slightly damaged during the earthquake.  All IOM staff have been reported safe.

Significant damage has also been reported in Kunar, Nuristan, Laghman, Takhar, Baghlan and Nangarhar provinces.