Rescuers Race to Save Victims After Powerful Earthquake Kills Hundreds in Eastern Afghanistan

A powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake rocked eastern Afghanistan near midnight on August 31, causing widespread destruction and killing more than 800 people, according to authorities. The quake’s epicenter was located about 17 miles east of Jalalabad near the Pakistan border, an area known for its rugged terrain and vulnerable mudbrick homes.

Devastating Impact in Kunar and Nangarhar Provinces

The hardest-hit provinces were Kunar and Nangarhar, where more than 610 people lost their lives and thousands were injured. Entire villages were destroyed in remote mountainous districts including Nurgal, Sholt, Arit, and Mamagal. In Nangarhar, at least 12 deaths were reported, with many homes reduced to rubble and hundreds more injured across the region.

The shallow depth of around 8 kilometers amplified the quake’s damage. In addition to human losses, vital infrastructure and homes built primarily from mud and timber were severely damaged, complicating rescue efforts.

Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams

Rescuers faced numerous obstacles due to the earthquake striking a remote, mountainous region. Heavy recent rainfall caused landslides and rockfalls, blocking roads and isolating communities from communication networks. Helicopters were enlisted to airlift over 400 injured and deceased victims, and a convoy of teams endeavored to reach the hardest-hit areas.

Despite the difficult conditions, authorities mobilized security forces and medical personnel to coordinate emergency responses, including search-and-rescue operations and distributing food and aid. The Taliban-led government called for international assistance to bolster these efforts.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis Amid Limited Resources

Afghanistan’s already strained healthcare and emergency systems face significant burden due to this disaster. Years of conflict and political instability have resulted in scarce funding and infrastructure deficiencies. The Taliban government struggles with reduced foreign aid and a host of crises, exacerbating the impact of this natural calamity.

Aid agencies and United Nations officials have stepped in to assist, though concerns remain about reaching remote communities and providing comprehensive support to survivors. Efforts also focus on preventing water contamination and managing the burial of deceased livestock to mitigate secondary health risks.

International Condolences and Calls for Support

Global leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed condolences and solidarity with the Afghan people. The UN and humanitarian organizations vow to “spare no effort” in providing aid. Neighboring countries have offered medical supplies and relief teams, with hopes that more coordinated international help will follow.

A Region Vulnerable to Natural Disasters

Eastern Afghanistan has experienced multiple destructive earthquakes in recent years, including devastating quakes in 2022 and 2023 with death tolls reaching into the thousands. Many communities remain vulnerable due to building practices and lack of resources to withstand tremors.

This latest earthquake is one of the deadliest in recent Afghan history and underscores ongoing challenges in disaster preparedness, infrastructure development, and humanitarian response in conflict-affected regions.