Afghanistan Earthquake Today: Fatalities Rise to 622, Rescue Efforts Intensify in Remote Areas

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of Afghanistan late on Sunday night, causing extensive loss of life and property. The epicentre of this catastrophic event was located approximately 27 kilometres northeast of Jalalabad, a key city in Nangarhar province, and occurred at a shallow depth of about 8 kilometres, heightening the potential for damage.

The Taliban government reported at least 610 fatalities in Kunar province, with an additional 12 deaths in Nangarhar province, bringing the total official death toll to 622. Over 1,500 individuals suffered injuries, and the numbers are anticipated to rise as reports continue to emerge from remote, mountainous areas. The aftermath of the quake has rendered roads impassable due to landslides, significantly complicating rescue operations.

In response to the crisis, the Taliban government has mobilized helicopters to expedite the transport of injured individuals from inaccessible areas to medical facilities. The provincial capital of Asadabad in Kunar and the main hospital in Nangarhar province are overwhelmed with casualties, with both institutions reported to be operating at capacity. Health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman underscored the severe impact, noting villages entirely reduced to rubble and a desperate need for continued search and rescue efforts.

The mountainous terrains of Kunar and Nangarhar, already challenged by substantial logistical barriers, have seen many homes, predominantly made of mud and stone, crumble due to the quake. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to pull survivors from the debris, but with communications heavily disrupted and roads blocked, assistance remains slow and difficult to deliver.

The earthquake was felt as far as Kabul and parts of Pakistan, showcasing the extensive reach of the seismic waves. The United States Geological Survey confirmed multiple aftershocks subsequent to the initial quake, further complicating rescue initiatives across the affected districts. Humanitarian aid organizations have been urged to augment their support in light of the dire circumstances.

Afghanistan, frequently subject to seismic disturbances, has encountered similar tragedies before. The nature of the terrain and the construction of many dwellings significantly contribute to the damage incurred by such natural disasters. In a region fraught with economic hardship and infrastructural challenges, the earthquake poses a significant setback, exacerbating the already critical humanitarian situation.

Efforts to reach affected communities continue, with the Taliban government calling for international aid to help address the immediate needs of the victims. The rescue operations reflect a concerted push to deliver necessary resources amidst formidable obstacles, eliciting a robust response from both local authorities and the international community, which has expressed its commitment to provide support during this challenging period.