The recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has caused widespread destruction, leading to a tragic loss of life.
As of Tuesday, the death toll has risen to at least 1,411 individuals, as reported by government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
Additionally, more than 3,124 people have sustained injuries from the powerful 6.0 magnitude quake that struck just before midnight on Sunday.
Deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing in all affected areas, with dozens of commandos having been airlifted to regions where landing was impossible.
Tragically, a second earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, registering a magnitude of 5.2 and occurring approximately 20 miles northeast of Jalalabad.
Taliban official Shah Mahmood from Nangarhar Province reported that the initial quake destroyed nearly 8,000 houses, with many villages yet to receive emergency assistance.
Officials fear there may be additional casualties and injuries as responders struggle to reach some of the hardest-hit areas.
The epicenter of Sunday’s quake was located about 17 miles east of Jalalabad, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Most fatalities occurred in Kunar Province, with some also reported in Nangarhar Province, according to officials’ statements shared by Mujahid.
Historically, Afghanistan has experienced several deadly earthquakes, including significant quakes in June 2022 and October 2023, with each resulting in a death toll exceeding 1,000 people.
This region is particularly susceptible to seismic activity due to the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates beneath the Hindu Kush mountain range.
USGS data indicates that since 1950, 71 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater have occurred within 250 kilometers of the recent quake, including six that reached magnitude 7 or higher.
The initial quake occurred at approximately 11:47 p.m. local time, followed by four notable aftershocks measuring 5.2, 5.2, 4.7, and 4.6.
The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 12,000 people were directly impacted by the earthquake on Sunday.
The hardest-hit districts and villages in Kunar Province include Chawkay, Nurgal, Chapa Dara, Dara-e-Pech, and Watapur, with significant structural damage reported in other areas of Nangarhar and Laghman provinces.
In light of this catastrophe, Richard Bennett, the U.N. special rapporteur for Afghanistan, extended his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families through social media.
Despite the challenges posed by the earthquake, many health facilities in the critical areas remain functional.
The WHO has confirmed that local staff members are providing on-site assistance at several locations, including Nangarhar Regional Hospital.
Reports from this hospital indicate that several injured children are being treated without their parents or relatives present, underscoring the heartbreaking circumstances following the disaster.
Dr. Sharafat Zaman Amar, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, expressed sorrow over the situation, sharing images of injured children requiring immediate care.
As rescue efforts continue, the magnitude of this disaster becomes increasingly apparent, heightening the urgent need for further assistance and support in the recovery process.
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