A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border late Sunday, resulting in hundreds of casualties and significant destruction.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan near its border with Pakistan late Sunday night, leading to reports of over 800 fatalities and thousands of injuries. The quake occurred at 11:47 p.m., approximately 17 miles east-northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with footage showing rescuers transporting injured individuals on stretchers to helicopters. Many locals are seen frantically digging through the rubble with their bare hands in search of survivors.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban government, stated during a press conference that the majority of the casualties were reported in Kunar province. The earthquake’s shallow depth of just 5 miles contributed to the extensive damage, as shallower quakes typically result in more destruction.
Buildings in Afghanistan are primarily low-rise structures made of concrete and brick, while homes in rural areas are often constructed from mud bricks and wood. Unfortunately, many of these buildings are poorly constructed, increasing their vulnerability to seismic events.
Shortly after the major quake, a smaller 4.5 magnitude tremor was recorded in the same province, further complicating rescue efforts.
Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to earthquakes due to its location in the Hindu Kush Mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. This region has a history of seismic activity, with one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent memory occurring on October 7, 2023. That event involved a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that resulted in significant loss of life, with the Taliban government estimating at least 4,000 fatalities, while the United Nations reported a much lower toll of approximately 1,500.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Source: Original article