Over 800 Dead and 2,500 Injured in Earthquake in Afghanistan

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan at 11:47 p.m. local time, near the Pakistan border. Its shallow depth of 8 kilometers intensified the devastation, resulting in widespread structural damage and significant loss of life. Initial reports indicate at least 812 fatalities and over 2,800 injuries across the affected regions, with Kunar Province being the hardest hit, reporting around 800 deaths and over 2,500 injuries. Many villages in Kunar were destroyed, particularly in the Nurgal District, where hundreds are feared dead, and the village of Mazar-e-Dara saw dozens killed and nearly 100 injured from collapsed homes.

The tremors also impacted neighboring Nangarhar Province, resulting in 12 deaths and 255 injuries, while Laghman Province reported another 80 injuries, six of which were serious. The earthquake’s effects were felt as far as Islamabad, Lahore, and parts of India, including Delhi, highlighting its extensive reach.

Rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to landslides triggered by the quake, aftershocks, and heavy rains that blocked roads in Kunar. Access to many affected areas remains limited, complicating relief efforts. The Taliban has mobilized local officials and volunteers for rescue and aid distribution but has requested support from international organizations due to resource constraints.

The United Nations has dispatched aid teams to the region, with neighboring countries like Iran offering humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies. The total extent of the damage and final casualty count are still being evaluated, with ongoing monitoring from the international community focused on supporting recovery efforts.