800 People Killed in Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan

A powerful nighttime earthquake has devastated eastern Afghanistan, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.

The true toll may be far higher as emergency teams battle landslides and blocked roads.

Widespread Devastation

At least 800 people have died and approximately 2,000 more have been injured after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, according to official figures reported by EFE and quoted by Agerpres.

The quake, followed by several aftershocks, left a trail of destruction across multiple provinces, with Kunar suffering the most severe losses.

Affected Provinces

“In the districts of Nurgal, Sawkay, Watapur, Dara Pech and Chapi Dara, around 600 people have died, around 2,000 have been injured and hundreds of houses have been destroyed,” said Ihsanullah Ihsan, director of the Department of Information and Culture in Kunar.

Shallow Epicenter Increases Impact

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) located the epicenter 27 kilometers east of Nangarhar province, at a depth of just 8 kilometers — a shallow depth that typically results in more severe surface shaking and damage.

The initial quake was recorded at 11:47 p.m. local time on Sunday and was followed by at least two strong aftershocks, each registering a magnitude of 5.2.

Landslides Block Rescue Efforts

Rescue teams began combing through the rubble in the early hours of Monday, but their efforts are being slowed by landslides and debris blocking key access roads in the provinces of Kunar and neighboring Nuristan.

Authorities fear the death toll could climb significantly as aid workers reach remote areas that have yet to be fully assessed.

Limited Communication

The mountainous terrain of Kunar, which borders Pakistan and lies in the rugged Hindu Kush range, poses additional challenges for relief operations.

Poor infrastructure and limited communication networks are making coordination difficult.

Quake Felt in Kabul and Beyond

The tremors were felt across a broad swath of eastern Afghanistan, including Nangarhar, Nuristan, Laghman, and even the capital, Kabul.

In Nuristan, while the quake was strongly felt, local officials said they had not yet received reports of casualties or serious damage. That may change as assessments continue.

Taliban Calls for National Emergency Response

Taliban authorities have issued statements urging national and regional support.

“Unfortunately, tonight’s earthquake caused deaths and material damage in some of our eastern provinces,” said Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on social media.

“Local authorities and residents are currently involved in rescue efforts. Support teams from the center and neighboring provinces are also on the way, and all available resources will be used to save lives,” he added.

International Support Expected

Given the scale of the devastation and Afghanistan’s limited capacity to handle natural disasters, humanitarian organizations and foreign governments are expected to begin mobilizing support.

However, the political situation and the Taliban’s control over aid distribution may complicate relief efforts.