An earthquake of 7.5 magnitude rocked areas in the Middle East including Afghanistan, Pakistan and India on Oct. 26. Latest reports have the death toll at over 300 with over 2,000 injuries. More victims are likely to be discovered as the efforts to help the affected areas continue.

With an epicenter near the Afghan city of Jarm, the earthquake areas mostly affected were mountainous and rural areas that are sparsely populated. Scientists estimate that the consequences of the earthquake could have been much more severe had it occurred closer to the surface. As the quake occurred about 139 miles down into the Earth, the effect on these countries was lessened compared to if the earthquake occurred closer to the surface.

Yet, the earthquake still inflicted incredible tragedy and a considerable amount of damage. An estimated 4,000 homes have been destroyed. According to Afghan State Minister Wais Ahmad Barmakresidents in the area due tend to build their homes out of mud bricks, which are unstable and vulnerable to destruction. Twelve of the lives claimed by the earthquake were school girls in Afghanistan who were trampled in a staircase while attempting to flee their school.

Pakistan has denied offers of aid from the United States, neighboring India and other nations. “We have enough resources to handle the situation,” Pakistan Information Minister Pervez Rashid said at a Tuesday press conference. So far, the Taliban has supported relief in the area, urging members to assist the affected. The group also made claims that it would not interfere with government attempts at relief.