A devastating magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing at least 812 people and injuring nearly 3,000 others, according to Afghan interim government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. The disaster marks one of the deadliest seismic events in the region this year.
Kunar province bore the brunt of the destruction, with 800 fatalities and 2,500 injuries reported across its Nurgal, Suki, Watapur, and Chapa Dara districts. Neighboring provinces saw 12 deaths in Nangarhar and dozens more injured in Laghman and Nuristan. Authorities warn casualty numbers may rise as remote communities remain inaccessible.
Rescue teams face formidable challenges navigating Afghanistan's rugged terrain to reach survivors. "Response units from relevant agencies have been deployed to expedite operations," Mujahid stated, emphasizing efforts to deliver aid to trapped residents.
The quake's epicenter was recorded 27 km northeast of Jalalabad at a shallow depth of 8 km, amplifying its destructive potential. The disaster highlights Asia's vulnerability to natural catastrophes and the urgent need for coordinated regional disaster response strategies.
