Shallow depth, remote terrain, and weak infrastructure leave thousands injured as rescuers battle to reach cut-off villages
Kabul: Afghanistan was struck by a devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake late Sunday night, killing at least 800 people and injuring more than 2,500 in the eastern province of Kunar, authorities confirmed. The tremors shook buildings from Kabul to Islamabad, with the US Geological Survey (USGS) estimating that over 1.2 million people felt strong or very strong shaking.
Toll May Rise Sharply
Officials have warned that the death toll is expected to climb as rescuers struggle to reach some of the hardest-hit villages, which remain inaccessible due to landslides and road blockages.
Why So Many Lives Were Lost
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Shallow Depth and Aftershocks: The USGS said the quake struck at a depth of just 8 km near Jalalabad, making it far more destructive. Several aftershocks, including one of 5.2 magnitude, further weakened structures and buried residents under rubble.
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Difficult Terrain: Kunar is among the most mountainous and remote regions of Afghanistan. Landslides blocked access, forcing rescuers and Taliban officials to use helicopters. Many villages remain unreachable, the UN migration agency warned.
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Lack of Resources: Hospitals are overwhelmed. A doctor in Asadabad said they were receiving “one patient every five minutes”. Afghanistan’s economic crisis, compounded by reduced international aid since the Taliban takeover, has left hospitals without enough medicines, equipment, or staff.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed rescue missions were ongoing, with support teams sent from nearby provinces. Videos shared online showed helicopters airlifting injured survivors, while hospitals in Jalalabad and Asadabad struggled with overflowing patients.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pledged assistance, stating New Delhi stands in “solidarity with the Afghan people in this hour of need.”
A History of Deadly Quakes
Afghanistan, located on the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, has a tragic history of earthquakes.
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In October 2023, a 6.3-magnitude quake in Herat killed over 1,500 people.
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In June 2022, another quake in eastern provinces left 1,000 dead.
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Last year’s Herat disaster destroyed more than 63,000 homes.
The latest tragedy underscores how fragile infrastructure, mountainous terrain, and lack of preparedness make earthquakes especially catastrophic for Afghanistan. With many still trapped under rubble, authorities fear the worst is yet to come.
“Time truly is of the essence. People are buried alive and resources are scarce,” said Thamindri de Silva of World Vision Afghanistan.
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