At least twenty people are confirmed dead and dozens injured following a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, with fears mounting that the death toll could climb into the hundreds. Sources within the Taliban government report widespread devastation, particularly in remote villages where “many dozens of houses are in ruins.”
The quake, felt as far away as the capital Kabul – 200 kilometers from the epicenter – struck near the border with Pakistan, impacting the provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar most severely. initial reports indicate the mountainous nurgal area of Kunar province is the hardest hit. A series of aftershocks, including one measuring 4.5, followed the initial quake, complicating rescue efforts in a region already made challenging to access by potential floods and landslides. The Taliban have appealed for international assistance.
Afghanistan is frequently struck by earthquakes. A devastating quake in 2023 resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths according to the Taliban,though the United Nations estimated the toll at 1,500.The current situation raises concerns about the vulnerability of communities in the region and the challenges of providing aid in a country already facing significant humanitarian challenges.