Rising Death Toll in Devastated Villages
The powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan has left a catastrophic toll, with more than 1,400 people confirmed dead and over 3,000 injured. Entire villages in Kunar Province were flattened, with nearly 8,000 houses destroyed. Local officials fear the numbers may continue to rise as emergency teams reach remote areas where survivors may still be trapped under rubble.
Rescue operations remain underway, with dozens of commandos airlifted into areas inaccessible by road. Efforts have been hampered by challenging terrain and damaged infrastructure, making it difficult to transport the wounded to medical facilities.
Aftershocks Deepen the Crisis
As rescue missions continued, a second earthquake measuring 5.2 in magnitude struck near Jalalabad, further unsettling communities already devastated by the initial 6.0 magnitude quake. The region experienced multiple aftershocks, ranging from 4.6 to 5.2, intensifying fears among survivors and complicating emergency response.
The U.S. Geological Survey noted that the region is highly prone to seismic activity due to the collision of the India and Eurasia plates beneath the Hindu Kush mountains. Since 1950, more than 70 earthquakes of similar strength have been recorded within 250 kilometers of the latest disaster.
Humanitarian Impact and Response
The World Health Organization estimates that at least 12,000 people have been directly affected by the earthquake. Villages in Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces suffered widespread damage, with the worst destruction reported in districts such as Chawkay, Nurgal, Chapa Dara, Dara-e-Pech and Watapur.
Although many health facilities remain functional, they are overwhelmed by the influx of injured victims. At Nangarhar Regional Hospital, children are being treated without the presence of their parents or relatives, underscoring the human tragedy of the disaster. Local authorities have warned that resources are stretched thin as they attempt to provide urgent care and shelter.
A Nation Struck by Repeated Tragedies
Afghanistan has suffered a series of deadly earthquakes in recent years. A 5.9 magnitude quake in 2022 and a 6.3 magnitude tremor in 2023 each killed more than 1,000 people. The recurring devastation highlights the country’s vulnerability to seismic events and the urgent need for better infrastructure, preparedness, and international support.
Human rights observers and international organizations have expressed condolences and called for swift aid to assist survivors. With thousands left homeless and countless families grieving, the crisis once again exposes the fragility of Afghanistan’s communities in the face of natural disasters.