Devastating Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan, Death Toll Soars

Local officials in eastern Afghanistan are reporting a catastrophic earthquake that struck near the Pakistan border, leaving at least 250 people dead and hundreds more injured. The deadly quake, measured at a magnitude of 6.0, hit the region around 11:47 PM local time on Sunday, approximately 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). In a troubling turn of events, a secondary quake of magnitude 4.5 followed the first tremor about 20 minutes later, compounding fears of further damage. The Kunar Disaster Management Authority has reported that more than 500 individuals are injured across various districts, including Nur Gol, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, with workers sifting through the rubble of collapsed homes in search of survivors. Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, noted that the number of casualties may rise as the recovery efforts progress. Jalalabad, a thriving commercial hub due to its strategic location near Pakistan, has a population that may exceed 300,000 when considering its metropolitan area. Many structures in the city and surrounding areas are built with concrete and brick; however, a significant number of homes feature mud bricks and wooden materials, often constructed without proper safety measures. This vulnerability has increased the risk of devastation during seismic events. Afghanistan, located within a seismically active region, has experienced several significant earthquakes in recent years. In 2023 alone, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake caused widespread destruction and an estimated 4,000 fatalities, according to Taliban officials, while the United Nations reported around 1,500 deaths. This recent quake stands as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Afghanistan's recent history. As authorities and humanitarian agencies mobilize to provide aid and support to the affected populations, the hope of finding more survivors remains precariously high amidst the destruction. The community faces a lengthy recovery process as it grapples with the aftermath of this disaster. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2