A powerful earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving hundreds feared dead and causing widespread destruction. The magnitude 6.0 tremor, occurring at a shallow depth of 8 kilometers (6 miles), has devastated several remote mountainous areas, complicating rescue operations.
Initial reports indicate that at least 20 people have been confirmed dead, with over 100 others receiving treatment in hospitals for injuries. However, local authorities and sources on the ground warn that the death toll could rise significantly as dozens of houses remain buried under rubble. The destruction has left many communities cut off from immediate assistance, with some villages only accessible by air due to landslides and flooding triggered by the quake.
The tremor was felt far beyond the epicenter, shaking buildings from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) away. Residents across the region reported panicked evacuations from buildings, with aftershocks continuing to pose a risk to already vulnerable structures.
Taliban government officials have appealed to humanitarian organizations for urgent assistance in affected areas, highlighting the need for medical aid, food, and temporary shelter for displaced families. Rescue teams are working under difficult conditions, navigating rugged terrain and damaged roads to reach survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
The region’s challenging geography, combined with the shallow depth of the earthquake, has amplified its destructive impact, leaving emergency responders racing against time to prevent further loss of life. International aid agencies have been called upon to assist in the relief efforts, as local resources are stretched thin.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety measures while rescue operations continue. The full scale of the disaster is still emerging, but early reports suggest that the earthquake could be one of the deadliest in the region in recent years.
