Emergency teams are racing against time in Afghanistan's mountainous Kunar province following a devastating magnitude-6.0 earthquake that struck eastern regions on September 1. Official reports confirm 812 fatalities, with rescue workers navigating challenging terrain to reach remote villages.
Exclusive footage obtained by CGTN shows helicopters delivering critical supplies to affected areas, while crowds gather outside Asadabad Provincial Hospital awaiting medical assistance for the injured. The quake – one of Afghanistan's deadliest in recent years – has highlighted the region's vulnerability to natural disasters amid ongoing economic challenges.
Geological experts note the earthquake's shallow depth exacerbated its destructive impact, particularly in rural communities with limited infrastructure. International aid organizations are coordinating relief efforts, though access remains complicated by damaged roads and security concerns.
This disaster underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness in South Asia's seismically active zones. As recovery operations continue, attention turns to long-term reconstruction plans and climate-resilient infrastructure development.
