On Sunday, a devastating earthquake struck Afghanistan, leading to a tragic death toll that has now risen to 1,109 as of Tuesday. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.0, occurred just before midnight, according to Shah Mahmood, a Taliban official in Nangarhar Province. The quake has also resulted in approximately 2,938 injuries, highlighting the severe impact on the local population.
The tremor destroyed around 8,000 houses, causing widespread devastation across the region. Emergency responders are still struggling to reach several affected villages, raising concerns that the death toll may increase as rescuers search for additional victims trapped under the rubble. The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 17 miles east of Jalalabad, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Most fatalities have been reported in Kunar Province, with additional casualties occurring in Nangarhar Province, according to a statement released by Zabihullah Mujahid, a government spokesperson. Mufti Abdul Matin Qani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, also confirmed the tragic loss of life in these areas. Afghanistan has experienced several deadly earthquakes in recent years, including a significant 5.9 magnitude quake in June 2022 and a more recent 6.3 magnitude earthquake in October 2023, both resulting in over 1,000 deaths.
Earthquakes are a frequent occurrence in both eastern and western Afghanistan, primarily due to the intersection of the India plate and the Eurasia plate beneath the Hindu Kush mountain range, as outlined by the USGS. Since 1950, there have been 71 recorded earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater within 250 kilometers of the recent quake, including six that measured 7 or higher.
The initial quake struck at approximately 11:47 p.m. local time on Sunday, followed by several aftershocks, including four notable ones measuring 5.2, 5.2, 4.7, and 4.6
, as reported by the USGS. An estimated 12,000 people have been directly affected by this disaster, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan. The hardest-hit districts in Kunar include Chawkay, Nurgal, Chapa Dara, Dara-e-Pech, and Watapur, with additional damage reported in villages across Nangarhar and Laghman provinces.In light of the catastrophic events, Richard Bennett, the U.N. special rapporteur for Afghanistan, extended his condolences to the victims and their families through social media. The WHO reported that many health facilities in the affected regions remain operational, with local staff actively working at various sites, including the Nangarhar Regional Hospital. Sadly, several injured children are being treated without their parents, highlighting the emotional toll of this disaster. Dr. Sharafat Zaman Amar, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, described the situation as painful and unbearable, sharing images of injured children receiving care.
This tragic earthquake serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Afghanistan, both in terms of natural disasters and healthcare needs. As the situation develops, continued support and relief efforts will be essential in aiding those affected by this calamity.
