An earthquake has hit Afghanistan killing more than 250 people and injuring at least 150 others

Photos posted to social media have shown victims on stretchers and ruined homes in the Paktika province.

Local government officials predict an increase to the death toll.

The disaster occurred only 44 kilometres away from the south-eastern city of Khost.

The earthquake had a 6.1 magnitude and a depth of 51 kilometres.

Tremors hit regions over 500 kilometres away in Pakistan and even India.

Witnesses in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul also reported tremors.

Local officials are calling for “aid agencies to send teams to the area immediately to prevent further catastrophe”.