A powerful earthquake in Afghanistan late on Sunday killed at least 812 people and injured more than 2,700, with officials warning that the toll could rise as rescue teams struggle to reach remote areas cut off by landslides.
Most of the casualties occurred in Kunar province, where over 800 people died and at least 2,500 were injured as entire villages built of mud and stone collapsed. Local officials said many families remain trapped beneath the rubble. In Nangarhar province 12 people were confirmed dead and 255 injured, while Laghman also reported fatalities.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, told a press conference in Kabul that emergency teams from neighbouring provinces had been deployed. “All available resources will be used to save lives,” he said.
The United Nations said its staff were delivering emergency aid and lifesaving supplies to the worst-hit areas. “We express our deepest sorrow over this devastating earthquake in Afghanistan,” a UN statement read.
The US Geological Survey reported the quake’s epicentre 27km from Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, at a shallow depth of 8km. Experts warned that such shallow quakes often cause greater destruction. At least five aftershocks followed overnight, one measuring 5.2 in magnitude.
Residents described scenes of devastation as homes, roads and communication lines were destroyed. Landslides blocked access to districts including Dewagal in Sawkay and Mazardara in Nurgal, hampering the delivery of aid. Anadolu Agency quoted Afghan officials saying casualty figures were likely to increase as many villages remain unreachable.
Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range where tectonic plates meet. Last June more than 1,000 people were killed in Paktika province after a 5.9-magnitude quake. In 2015 a 7.5-magnitude tremor struck Pakistan and Afghanistan, killing more than 380 people.
Already weakened by decades of war, poverty and reduced foreign aid, Afghanistan faces immense challenges in responding to disasters. Heavy rains and flash floods in Nangarhar on Saturday had already killed five people before the latest tragedy struck.
Also Read: Trans-Afghan Railway: Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Taliban-Led Afghanistan Sign Historic Deal
