Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : X / @unafghanistan

A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on Monday night, causing widespread destruction, killing at least 1,411 people, injuring over 3,124, and destroying more than 5,400 homes, according to local authorities and the Taliban government.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 11:47 pm local time, with its epicenter located about 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 8 kilometers, which amplified its impact on nearby communities, particularly in Kunar province, identified as the worst-hit region.

Villages in districts such as Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare reported significant destruction, with hundreds of houses completely damaged or flattened. The earthquake struck during the night, making it more deadly as most people were asleep and unprepared to evacuate in time.

Taliban Government Urges International Help

In response to the disaster, the Taliban government urgently called for international aid to support rescue and relief operations. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, said that the rescue teams are in a “race against time” to reach people stranded in mountainous and remote areas, where many survivors are still trapped under rubble.

Rescue teams are facing immense challenges due to damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks, and the difficult terrain, which have severely slowed the delivery of aid. The health system in the affected areas is overwhelmed, leaving survivors heavily dependent on external humanitarian aid for emergency treatment.

Humanitarian Situation and Aid Challenges

The earthquake has left over 12,000 people affected, including those whose homes were damaged but remain standing. Local responders are trying to provide shelter, food, clean water, and medical support to survivors. Efforts are also being made to dispose of animal carcasses to prevent contamination of water supplies.

India Extends Support and Condolences

India has expressed solidarity with the Afghan people in this hour of crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families affected and extended wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured. Posting on X, Modi said:

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed support, stating:

“India will extend assistance in this hour of need. Our condolences to the families of the victims. Our prayers for early recovery of the injured.”

Worsening Situation in Remote Areas

Rescue operations are especially challenging in the mountainous regions of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where access is limited and many villages are cut off from main roads. Local residents have described the destruction as catastrophic, with collapsed houses leaving families homeless and vulnerable.

Authorities are also dealing with the danger of aftershocks, which continue to shake the region and hamper ongoing rescue efforts. Emergency responders have to navigate unsafe structures while searching for survivors trapped under debris.

A History of Devastating Earthquakes

This earthquake is the third major earthquake to strike Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021, and it adds to a long history of seismic disasters in the country. In October 2023, an earthquake killed over 1,500 people, and in the previous year, another quake claimed more than 1,000 lives.

Experts note that Afghanistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is compounded by poorly constructed buildings, limited disaster preparedness, and ongoing political and economic challenges, making each earthquake more deadly than it might otherwise be.

International Attention and Urgent Relief Efforts

Countries and humanitarian agencies are closely monitoring the situation. Quick response is critical to prevent further casualties, as many injured individuals are located in remote and difficult-to-reach regions. Aid in the form of medical supplies, temporary shelters, and food is urgently required.

Authorities have stressed that time is a critical factor in saving lives. Efforts are underway to mobilize helicopters, medical teams, and emergency supplies to the hardest-hit areas. The coming days will be crucial in determining the scale of aid required to support thousands of displaced and injured individuals.

Looking Ahead

Local authorities are assessing the structural damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure, as rebuilding will be a long-term challenge for the affected provinces. Rescue operations continue amid difficult terrain, and immediate aid remains the priority to save as many lives as possible.

The 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan has caused immense human suffering, with over 1,400 lives lost, thousands injured, and thousands of homes destroyed. Rescue teams are working tirelessly under challenging conditions, and international support is needed to provide medical care, food, shelter, and other essential assistance. The people of Afghanistan, already facing economic hardships and political instability, are now grappling with one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent years.