Powerful Quake Rocks Eastern Afghanistan, Scores Feared Dead
A strong earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad late on Sunday night. The epicenter was reported in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces at a shallow depth of about 8 km, which intensified the tremors across the region. The quake occurred at 11:47 p.m. local time, sending people rushing out of their homes in panic.
Heavy Casualties and Widespread Injuries
Authorities confirmed that at least 250 people have been killed and more than 500 injured so far. Many of the fatalities occurred due to collapsing roofs and walls in mud and brick houses that dominate the rural landscape. Entire villages have been reduced to rubble, and hospitals in the region are struggling to cope with the influx of patients.
Aftershocks and Area Damage
Several aftershocks, including one of magnitude 4.5, shook the affected areas after the main quake. Rescue teams are facing challenges reaching remote mountainous villages due to blocked roads and damaged infrastructure. Officials warned that the death toll is likely to rise further as relief operations continue.
Regional Impacts and Seismic History
Tremors were also felt in neighboring Pakistan, particularly in Peshawar and northern towns. Afghanistan’s location along the seismically active Hindu Kush region makes it prone to frequent quakes. The disaster has revived memories of the 2023 Herat earthquake, which killed more than 1,400 people.
