Afghanistan has been struck by one of its deadliest earthquakes in recent years, leaving behind widespread devastation and human tragedy. According to government officials, at least 812 people have lost their lives and more than 2,800 others sustained injuries after a magnitude 6 earthquake jolted the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar late on Sunday night. Authorities warn that the death toll may rise further as rescuers dig through the rubble.
The quake, which struck just before midnight, shook mountainous villages scattered across the eastern region, causing roofs and mud-brick houses to collapse instantly. Many families were buried alive in their homes. Rescue workers, backed by local residents, have been struggling to pull survivors out of the debris.
Harrowing Survivor Accounts
Stories of survival continue to emerge from the quake-hit zones. Sadiqullah, a resident of the Maza Dara area of Nurgal district, recounted how he was awakened by a thunderous boom. Rushing to save his children, he managed to rescue three, but tragically lost his wife and two sons when the roof caved in.
“I was half-buried and unable to get out. My father is injured, my wife and sons are gone. We were trapped for hours before villagers pulled me out,” he told reporters from his hospital bed in Nangarhar.
National Response and Relief Efforts
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that it has dispatched 30 doctors and nearly 800 kilograms of medical supplies to support overwhelmed hospitals. More than 40 military flights have been carried out to transport the wounded and deceased to safer locations.
The Ministry of Interior Affairs said rescue teams had been mobilized across the eastern provinces to provide urgent assistance. “We are working tirelessly to ensure comprehensive support for affected families,” spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani told Reuters.
Why This Quake Was So Destructive
Experts say the shallow depth of the tremor increased its destructive power. Chris Elders, a geology professor at Curtin University, explained that Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain makes earthquakes especially dangerous. “Not only do buildings collapse, but landslides can be triggered, making rescue operations even more difficult,” he said, adding that aftershocks remain a major threat.
Afghanistan sits on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly vulnerable to powerful quakes. The last devastating earthquake struck in October 2023, killing more than 2,000 people.
International Aid and Assistance
The international community has begun pledging support:
- The United Nations expressed sorrow over the tragedy, confirming that its teams are already on the ground delivering emergency relief and lifesaving supplies.
- The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) urged global donors to step in, stressing that the scale of the disaster far exceeds Afghanistan’s local capacity.
- Iran expressed readiness to send relief teams and medical aid, while China announced it would provide disaster relief “according to Afghanistan’s needs.”
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that more than 39,000 square kilometers of wheat fields and 1.38 million livestock have been affected, threatening food security in an already fragile nation.
- The World Food Programme (WFP) is distributing emergency food aid, while UK-based Islamic Relief deployed emergency health teams to deliver critical medical care.
Humanitarian Challenges Ahead
The earthquake comes at a time when Afghanistan is already grappling with deep poverty, declining international aid, and mass deportations of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries. With thousands now homeless and critical infrastructure damaged, humanitarian agencies warn of a worsening crisis in the coming weeks.
Despite the scale of devastation, locals continue digging with bare hands and basic tools, hoping to rescue those still buried under the debris. Authorities have appealed for more international support as the true impact of the tragedy continues to unfold.
FAQs
Q1: What was the magnitude of the Afghanistan earthquake?
The earthquake measured 6.0 in magnitude, striking late Sunday night in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar.
Q2: How many people have been affected so far?
At least 812 people were killed and over 2,800 injured, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Q3: Why was the earthquake so destructive?
The tremor was shallow in depth, making it more destructive. Combined with Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and mud-brick housing, this led to widespread collapses and landslides.
Q4: Which regions were worst affected?
The worst-hit areas include Kunar’s Maza Dara (Nurgal district) and parts of Nangarhar province, where villages were flattened and survivors are still being rescued.
Q5: How has the Afghan government responded?
The Ministry of Defence deployed 30 doctors, 800kg of medical supplies, and 40+ flights for evacuations, while the Interior Ministry mobilized nationwide rescue teams.
Q6: What international assistance has been offered?
- The UN and WFP are delivering emergency food and aid.
- UNHCR appealed for donor support.
- Iran and China pledged medical and humanitarian relief.
- FAO warned of severe risks to food security and livestock.
- Islamic Relief sent emergency health teams.
Q7: Why is Afghanistan prone to earthquakes?
Afghanistan lies on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in Asia.
Q8: What are the biggest risks after the quake?
The main concerns are aftershocks, landslides, food shortages, livestock losses, and lack of shelter for thousands of displaced people.
