Eight dead after earthquake hits Afghanistan and Pakistan

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan and Pakistan late Friday, killing at least eight people and injuring a child. The tremor affected populated regions in both countries, where seismic activity is common along major fault lines in the Hindu Kush and surrounding mountain ranges. Casualties from earthquakes in this region can mount quickly given the prevalence of poorly constructed buildings in rural and urban areas. The exact extent of damage and injuries remained unclear as rescue efforts were underway in the affected zones.