Earthquake Devastates Eastern Afghanistan, Claims Over 800 Lives

A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday, resulting in over 800 fatalities and injuring more than 2,500 people. According to a spokesperson for the Taliban government, the 6.0 magnitude quake hit the Kunar province at approximately 23:47 local time, causing widespread destruction across several towns near the city of Jalalabad in the neighbouring Nangarhar province.

Footage emerging from the region depicts frantic efforts by residents to search for loved ones amidst the rubble. The images show villagers using their hands to dig through debris in the dark, desperate to locate those trapped beneath the wreckage. Medical teams swiftly transported the injured from collapsed buildings to helicopters, aiming to provide urgent medical assistance.

The aftermath of the earthquake exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where the population is grappling with a sharp decline in international aid and the repatriation of citizens from neighbouring countries. As the region continues to face challenges, the recent disaster significantly strains the resources of the beleaguered nation.

Extent of Damage and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The earthquake, which registered a depth of only 8 kilometres, was centred approximately 27 kilometres east-northeast of Jalalabad, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Shallow quakes typically result in more severe damage, and this incident has already led to several aftershocks. During a press conference, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that most of the casualties were reported in Kunar province, where numerous villages have been devastated.

One resident from the Nurgal district, one of the hardest-hit areas, described the scene: “Almost the entire village has collapsed. Children, the elderly, and young people are under the rubble. We need help here. There is no one who can come and remove dead bodies from under the rubble.”

The region’s challenging mountainous terrain has further complicated communication and rescue operations. Health Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman reported that medical teams from Kunar, Nangarhar, and the capital city of Kabul have mobilised to assist. Many areas remain uncontactable, and Zaman noted that casualty figures are expected to rise as reports come in.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The severe tremors come just weeks after another devastating earthquake struck Afghanistan on October 7, 2023, which was estimated by the Taliban government to have killed at least 4,000 individuals. The United Nations provided a lower death toll of around 1,500. That incident was noted as one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Afghan history, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge.

As rescue operations continue, the Taliban government has pledged to use “all available resources” to save lives. Jalalabad, a vital trade hub near the Pakistan border, boasts a population of approximately 300,000, although the metropolitan area is believed to be larger. The city is also known for its agricultural production, including citrus fruits and rice.

The situation remains critical, and as the international community observes the unfolding events, the focus is on providing immediate aid and support to the affected populations in Kunar and surrounding regions. The full extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed, but the dire circumstances underscore the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts in a nation already facing profound challenges.