Kabul: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck eastern Afghanistan early Monday, killing more than 500 people and injuring over 1,000, according to reports from Taliban-led authorities cited by Khaama Press.
The worst-affected areas include Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara districts in Kunar province. In neighboring Nangarhar province, at least nine fatalities were confirmed, with several others injured.
Entire villages, primarily made of mud and stone, were reduced to rubble. Landslides triggered by the tremors further hampered rescue efforts, cutting off key access routes. Communication breakdowns and damaged infrastructure have significantly slowed down emergency response operations.
Following the initial 6.0-magnitude quake, aftershocks of magnitudes 4.7, 4.3, and 5.0 were recorded near the original epicenter, deepening fears of further destruction.
Authorities have called for urgent international aid, as helicopters and rescue teams struggle with the rugged terrain. The disaster highlights Afghanistan’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic events, particularly in remote and mountainous regions.
Tremors were also felt across parts of Pakistan, including districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. According to Dawn, no casualties or significant damage were reported there.
Afghanistan lies in a seismically active zone along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, particularly near the Hindu Kush mountain range. Earthquakes are frequent and often deadly in the region, underscoring the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
