Eastern Afghanistan continues to reel from a series of strong aftershocks following last weekend’s devastating earthquake, which has left more than 2,200 people dead and thousands injured.
According to the US Geological Survey, the most powerful of five tremors struck on Friday morning, registering a magnitude of 5.6. The shocks were felt as far away as Kabul and Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, further fuelling fears among residents already traumatised by the disaster.
Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority confirmed that at least 10 more people were injured across eight provinces, including the badly affected regions of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman. These injuries come on top of more than 3,700 casualties recorded since the initial 6.0-magnitude quake that struck just before midnight on Sunday.
In many areas, frightened families have abandoned their fragile homes mostly built from dry masonry, stone, and timber and are sheltering in tents or the open. In Kunar’s Nurgal district, residents fled to higher ground along riverbanks, while in Nuristan, people huddled outdoors overnight to stay safe from collapsing structures.
Aid agencies say recovery and relief efforts are being hampered by landslides and blocked roads, leaving many villages cut off. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of looming health risks in overcrowded shelters, including disease outbreaks due to unsafe water and poor sanitation. It also revealed a funding shortfall of at least $4 million, appealing for urgent international support.
The Taliban-led government has called for global assistance, but aid has been limited, as Afghanistan remains diplomatically isolated since the group’s return to power in 2021. The crisis is compounded by the mass return of Afghans deported from Pakistan and Iran, along with ongoing drought in northern regions.
UN officials have urged Pakistan to suspend deportations in light of the humanitarian disaster. However, Islamabad rejected the appeal, insisting undocumented migrants must leave.
With rescue operations slowed by blocked access and limited resources, survivors in eastern Afghanistan remain fearful of further tremors as they face a worsening humanitarian crisis.
FAQs
Q1: What happened in eastern Afghanistan?
A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck just before midnight on Sunday, followed by multiple shallow aftershocks.
Q2: How many people have been affected so far?
Authorities report more than 2,200 deaths and over 3,700 injuries from the main quake, with at least 10 additional injuries from aftershocks.
Q3: How strong were the aftershocks?
The latest series included five tremors; the strongest measured magnitude 5.6 on Friday morning.
Q4: Which areas are most affected?
Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces were hit hardest; tremors were also felt in Kabul and Islamabad.
Q5: Why are aftershocks increasing risk?
Many homes are built with dry masonry, stone, and timber, making them vulnerable to collapse during repeated shaking.
Q6: Where are people taking shelter?
Some residents are staying in tents, open areas, or higher ground near rivers rather than returning to damaged homes.
Q7: What is hindering relief operations?
Landslides, fallen rocks, and debris have blocked key roads, delaying rescue and aid delivery.
Q8: What health risks are emerging?
Overcrowded shelters, unsafe water, and poor waste management raise the risk of disease outbreaks; WHO has flagged a funding gap.
Q9: What assistance has been requested?
The Taliban-led government has appealed for international aid; WHO estimates at least a $4 million gap for urgent health activities.
Q10: What about Afghan returnees from neighboring countries?
Recent deportations from Pakistan and Iran are straining local services; the UN has urged a pause, but Pakistan says undocumented people must leave.
