Eastern Afghanistan Earthquake Kills Over 1,400
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, with its epicenter in Kunar Province. The quake was followed by several strong aftershocks, including a 5.5 magnitude tremor on Tuesday, deepening fears and hampering rescue operations.
Massive Casualties and Widespread Injury
Taliban officials confirmed that over 1,400 people have died and more than 3,000 were injured. The worst-hit areas include Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where entire mudbrick villages were flattened. Many victims were trapped inside their homes as the quake struck while families were asleep.
Aid Access Hampered by Geography
Rescue teams face severe difficulties because of the mountainous terrain, heavy rains, and landslides, which have blocked key roads. Several communities remain cut off, forcing aid workers to rely on airlifts and long treks to deliver help.
Urgent Need for International Assistance
The Taliban government has issued an urgent call for international aid. Humanitarian agencies and the United Nations are attempting to scale up relief efforts, but operations are limited by declining global funding. International support for Afghanistan has fallen sharply in recent years, further complicating the response to this disaster.
