Afghanistan, a country already struggling with decades of conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises, has once again been struck by tragedy. A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale hit the eastern provinces of the country late last night, causing widespread devastation.
According to early reports, at least 20 people have been killed and over 100 injured, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit mountainous regions. Entire villages have been damaged, houses reduced to rubble, and roads blocked by landslides. The tremors were so strong that they were felt as far away as Kabul, Islamabad, and northern India, creating panic among millions of residents across the region.
The Taliban-led government has appealed for urgent assistance from international aid organizations to help with rescue efforts, medical care, and the provision of emergency shelter and supplies to the victims.
Details of the Earthquake
- Magnitude: 6.0
- Time: 11:47 pm local time
- Depth: 8 kilometers (shallow, making it more destructive)
- Epicenter: 27 kilometers from Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province
The shallow depth of the earthquake amplified its destructive force, causing buildings to collapse and triggering landslides across the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar, where the terrain is already unstable due to deforestation and seasonal rains.
Immediate Impact on the Population
The earthquake struck suddenly during the night, leaving residents little time to react. Entire families were buried under the rubble of their homes, while survivors rushed into the streets in terror.
- Casualties: At least 20 confirmed dead, over 100 injured.
- Destruction: Dozens of houses destroyed in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads blocked by landslides, power supply disrupted in remote areas, hospitals overwhelmed with patients.
Local residents in Nangarhar described the situation as “catastrophic,” with many people trapped under collapsed mud-brick houses. Rescue workers fear that the death toll will climb significantly as they reach remote villages cut off by landslides.
Government Response and Rescue Operations
The Taliban government, which has limited resources and faces international isolation, immediately mobilized its local authorities and relief teams.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid released a statement expressing grief over the loss of life and property, confirming that rescue operations were underway in the affected provinces.
Key actions taken so far:
- Deployment of helicopters from Nangarhar Airport to transport the injured to Kabul and nearby hospitals.
- Relief teams sent to affected districts in Kunar and Nangarhar to provide first aid and rescue those trapped.
- Coordination with local elders and community volunteers to clear blocked roads and distribute emergency supplies.
However, officials admitted that the scale of the disaster is beyond the capacity of the Afghan government alone, which is why they have urgently appealed to international aid organizations, neighboring countries, and the United Nations for support.
Challenges in Rescue and Relief Operations
The mountainous terrain of eastern Afghanistan poses enormous challenges for rescue teams. Roads leading to remote villages have been blocked by landslides triggered by the quake, making it impossible for vehicles to reach survivors.
- Landslides: Heavy rains in recent weeks had already loosened the soil, and the earthquake has caused widespread landslides.
- Poor Infrastructure: The region’s roads and bridges were already fragile, further delaying aid delivery.
- Security Concerns: Some areas remain prone to insecurity, complicating large-scale relief efforts.
As a result, helicopters remain the primary mode of transport for rescuers and medical teams. Military helicopters have also been deployed to airlift the injured and deliver emergency supplies such as tents, food, blankets, and medical kits.
Eyewitness Accounts and Local Reactions
Residents of Nangarhar and Kunar provinces described terrifying moments as tremors shook their homes. Many said they felt over a dozen aftershocks throughout the night, forcing families to remain outside in cold conditions.
One local resident from Kunar shared:
“We were sleeping when the ground shook violently. Our house collapsed within minutes. We managed to escape, but many of our neighbors are still under the rubble.”
Others reported that mosques and schools had been damaged, and in some areas, livestock and crops were destroyed, adding to the economic hardships of already struggling communities.
Regional Impact: Tremors Felt in Pakistan and India
The earthquake was not confined to Afghanistan alone. Its tremors were powerful enough to be felt across borders:
- Pakistan: Tremors were reported in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi, causing panic as people rushed out of their homes. Rescue agencies in Pakistan confirmed no major damage but remain on alert.
- India: Parts of northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Delhi, also experienced tremors, though no casualties were reported.
The widespread reach of the quake demonstrates its strength and raises concerns about potential aftershocks in the coming days.
International Reaction and Humanitarian Concerns
Given Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian situation, the earthquake has raised alarms among aid organizations. The country is already grappling with:
- Severe economic crisis after international sanctions.
- Ongoing food shortages, with millions dependent on foreign aid.
- Weak healthcare infrastructure unable to handle mass casualties.
The Taliban’s urgent appeal for help has prompted calls for immediate international assistance. Organizations such as the Red Cross, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) are expected to step in. Neighboring countries including Pakistan, Iran, and China may also extend aid, as they have done during past disasters.
Afghanistan’s History with Earthquakes
Afghanistan lies in a seismically active region, where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet. This makes the country highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
Some recent devastating quakes include:
- June 2022: A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing over 1,000 people and destroying thousands of homes.
- 2002: Twin earthquakes in northern Afghanistan killed more than 1,000 people.
- 1998: A massive quake in Takhar province claimed over 4,500 lives.
These disasters underline Afghanistan’s lack of infrastructure and preparedness to handle such natural calamities, making each event more catastrophic than it might otherwise be.
Ongoing Aftershocks and Fear Among Residents
Officials have warned residents to remain cautious as aftershocks continue to shake the region. According to local sources, at least 13 aftershocks were recorded overnight, causing panic among survivors who spent the night outdoors.
These aftershocks, while usually less powerful, can still cause additional damage to already weakened structures, posing further risks to rescuers and residents alike.
Global Responsibility and Need for Support
Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis makes this disaster particularly devastating. The international community faces a critical decision: whether to extend humanitarian aid despite political tensions with the Taliban government.
Human rights activists argue that aid should not be withheld, as ordinary Afghan civilians are the ones most affected by these disasters. Food, medicine, shelter, and medical teams are urgently needed to prevent a larger humanitarian tragedy.
Conclusion
The powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has once again highlighted the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for international cooperation in humanitarian relief. With more than 20 confirmed deaths, hundreds injured, and entire villages destroyed, the scale of the devastation is rapidly unfolding.
As rescue teams struggle against blocked roads, aftershocks, and limited resources, the Taliban government’s call for international aid has become a lifeline for the affected communities.
The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and humanitarian crisis. The coming days will be critical in determining how quickly aid can reach survivors and whether the international community will step up to prevent further loss of life.
