The recent earthquake in Afghanistan has resulted in a devastating death toll that continues to rise. According to Taliban-led health authorities, at least 800 individuals have lost their lives, and 2,000 more have been injured. The earthquake struck just before midnight local time on Sunday, impacting a mountainous region near Jalalabad, close to the eastern border with Pakistan. Despite its relatively low magnitude of 6.0, the earthquake’s shallow epicenter, located just 8 kilometers underground, caused significant surface shaking and triggered a series of aftershocks.
Most victims were indoors, sleeping at the time of the earthquake, and were tragically crushed as buildings collapsed around them. The remote nature of the affected areas has made it challenging to ascertain the exact death toll, especially since road networks have been blocked by landslides triggered by the earthquake. As rescue efforts continue, the full extent of the devastation remains uncertain.
The affected area in Afghanistan lies within the Himalaya and Hindu Kush mountains, which are known for their seismic activity due to the ongoing friction between the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. This region has experienced some of the most catastrophic earthquakes in history, including the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal and the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan. Notably, Afghanistan itself has faced severe earthquakes, with one in October 2023 claiming over 1,500 lives, and another the previous year resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities.
In contrast, a similar earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2011, with comparable magnitude and shallower depth, resulted in only 185 deaths despite affecting a more urbanized area. This stark difference highlights the vulnerabilities of rural communities in Afghanistan, where the risk of building collapse is significantly higher.
The phrase “earthquakes don’t kill people, buildings do” encapsulates the critical factors contributing to the high death toll from this and previous earthquakes in Afghanistan. Many rural communities lack the financial means to construct durable buildings using engineered materials. Instead, they rely on locally sourced natural materials such as earth, stone, and raw lumber. These structures often do not adhere to engineered designs or building codes that would mitigate damage in wealthier countries.
In Afghan rural areas, typical construction methods involve using mud bricks or stone masonry, commonly referred to as monolithic construction. Such buildings are not designed to withstand the intense lateral shaking caused by earthquakes, making them prone to collapse and leading to tragic casualties. Reports are emerging of extensive destruction, with rubble replacing what were once homes.
Examples from other countries illustrate that earthquake-resilient building designs can be achieved even under similar socio-economic conditions. Following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, the Pakistani government established the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority, which aided affected populations in constructing safer homes through community-based programs backed by technical guidance. Similarly, in Nepal, after the 2015 Gorkha earthquakes, the government implemented minimum standards in their National Building Code to enhance earthquake resilience.
Indian earthquake engineer Anand Arya pioneered effective techniques over 25 years ago aimed at reducing earthquake risks for “non-engineered” buildings. His approach includes adding continuous bands in walls and reinforcements at corners and around doors and windows, which can significantly strengthen traditional masonry buildings. These examples demonstrate that improving earthquake resilience does not necessarily require substantial financial investment; rather, it necessitates adequate technical and institutional support to ensure safety in a cost-effective manner.
While no building can be entirely earthquake-proof, implementing these strategies could lead to structures that withstand seismic events better, ultimately saving lives. The hope is that this recent earthquake will act as a catalyst for a “building back better” initiative in Afghanistan, enabling impacted communities to become more resilient against future earthquakes.
