A Night of Devastation
A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan overnight, leaving widespread destruction and significant loss of life. According to initial reports, at least 812 people have been killed, while more than 2,700 others have been injured.
The highest death toll has been recorded in Kunar province, where over 800 lives were lost and several villages were buried under rubble. Neighboring Nangarhar and Laghman provinces also reported extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Earthquake Details
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake measured magnitude 6.0. A recent 6.2-magnitude earthquake near Jalalabad in 2025 also highlighted the region’s vulnerability to shallow, destructive tremors.
Its epicenter was located about 27 kilometers from Jalalabad, with a shallow depth of only 8 kilometers underground. Experts note that earthquakes with such shallow depths tend to cause more severe destruction.
Throughout the night, several aftershocks rattled the region. The strongest, recorded at 5.2 magnitude, caused additional fear among survivors. Tremors were felt as far away as Kabul and even across the border in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Villages Flattened, Rescue Efforts Hampered
Kunar province bore the brunt of the disaster. Hundreds of houses collapsed, entire villages were flattened, and landslides blocked key roads. The damage has made it extremely difficult for emergency teams to reach remote communities.
Rescue operations are also being hampered by disrupted communication networks, leaving many survivors cut off from outside assistance. Aid workers warn that the death toll may rise further as more areas become accessible.
Taliban Government’s Response
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid held a press conference in Kabul, confirming that rescue and relief operations are underway. He said that “all available resources are being used to save lives” and that emergency teams from nearby provinces have been dispatched to the worst-hit regions.
Mujahid appealed for urgent international assistance, stressing that Afghanistan’s limited infrastructure and fragile economy make it difficult to respond effectively to such large-scale disasters.
International Condolences and Aid
The United Nations expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. UN humanitarian teams have already reached some of the affected areas, providing emergency relief, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelters.
Neighboring Pakistan also felt the tremors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to victims in both countries and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Afghan people. He said Islamabad is ready to provide support and humanitarian aid.
Sharif noted that Pakistan’s government and people “stand shoulder to shoulder” with Afghanistan during this difficult time.
Historical Context
Afghanistan sits on the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet. This region is prone to frequent seismic activity.
In June 2022, a powerful earthquake in Paktika province killed over 1,000 people, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Years of conflict, economic sanctions, and reduced foreign aid have severely limited Afghanistan’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the latest tragedy will add to the hardships of a nation already grappling with poverty, food insecurity, and a fragile healthcare system.
Regional Impact and Outlook
In Pakistan, tremors were reported in Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, though no major damage was reported. Authorities remain on high alert, monitoring the situation closely.
For Afghanistan, the scale of destruction highlights once again the urgent need for international support. With winter approaching in many mountainous areas, aid organizations fear that displaced families will face even greater challenges if relief does not arrive swiftly.
