Over 800 killed, 2,500 injured as strong earthquake and multiple aftershocks strike Afghanistan

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s eastern Nangahar province on Sunday, leaving a trail of devastation. According to Ajmal Darwaish, a spokesperson for the province’s health department, the disaster claimed at least nine lives and injured 25 others. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, amplifying its destructive impact on the region.

The tremor hit late Sunday night, causing significant damage to villages in Nangahar, a mountainous area near the Pakistan border. The shallow depth of the quake contributed to its intensity, shaking structures and triggering widespread concern. Local authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, with fears that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue in the affected areas.

The Hindu reported that the earthquake’s impact was particularly severe due to the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Afghanistan, situated along major fault lines, has experienced several deadly earthquakes in recent years. Poorly constructed buildings in rural areas often exacerbate casualties and destruction during such events.

Rescue operations are underway, but challenging terrain and limited infrastructure are hindering efforts to reach remote villages. The injured have been rushed to local hospitals, which are struggling to cope with the influx of patients. The Taliban government has yet to issue an official statement on international aid, but the scale of the disaster may prompt calls for assistance.