6.0-Magnitude Quake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan, Leaving Over 3,000 Injured and Thousands Displaced Amidst Challenging Rescue Operations
Deadly Earthquake Devastates Eastern Afghanistan
A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, killing over 1,400 people and injuring more than 3,000, according to the Taliban government. The disaster has become one of the deadliest in decades, severely affecting remote mountainous provinces near the Pakistan border.
Key Impact Figures
- Deaths: 1,411 in Kunar province alone
- Injuries: Over 3,124 in Kunar, with additional casualties in neighboring Nangarhar province
- Affected Population: Potentially hundreds of thousands impacted, warns UN humanitarian coordinator
Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid collapsed homes and landslides in difficult terrain. Villagers are actively helping clear rubble by hand to find trapped victims. Emergency operations persisted overnight to evacuate injured villagers to hospitals.
“There are still injured people left in distant villages who need urgent evacuation,” said Ehsanullah Ehsan, Head of Kunar’s Disaster Management Authority.
Challenges in Access and Infrastructure
Blocked roads and harsh mountain geography have made it difficult to reach some of the hardest-hit villages. Helicopters are airlifting victims to nearby cities like Jalalabad for medical treatment. Many victims, including children, have been buried by grieving communities following local customs.
Earthquake Details and Vulnerabilities
- Epicenter located 27 km from Jalalabad, 8 km below the surface, making the quake especially destructive
- Most affected homes are mud-brick structures, highly vulnerable to collapse during earthquakes
- Afghanistan lies near the Hindu Kush range, an area prone to seismic activity due to tectonic plate movements
Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis and Response Limitations
Decades of conflict and economic hardships have left Afghanistan ill-equipped to handle such disasters. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, foreign aid has drastically reduced, limiting emergency response capabilities.
The United Nations has pledged an initial $5 million to support relief efforts and is coordinating with local authorities to assess needs and mobilize further aid.
Personal Stories of Loss and Survival
Fourteen-year-old Akhlaq lost five family members when his house collapsed during the quake but managed to rescue his father from the rubble. Many displaced families, including returning refugees, face uncertain futures amid the destruction.
The recent 6.0-magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has caused immense loss of life and widespread devastation. Rescue operations continue under challenging conditions, with thousands affected in remote mountainous regions. Afghanistan’s limited resources and reduced international aid complicate relief efforts as the country grapples with yet another natural disaster.
Also Read : UK Pledges £1 Million in Emergency Aid for Afghanistan Earthquake Victims
