A powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has claimed at least 622 lives and injured 1,555 others, according to the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs. The disaster struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, with Kunar bearing the brunt of the devastation—610 fatalities and 1,300 injuries reported—while Nangarhar recorded 12 deaths and 255 injuries.
Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Crisis
Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani confirmed that security, medical, and logistics teams are working around the clock to deliver aid to affected communities. Rescue operations led by Afghanistan's Ministries of Defense, Interior, and Public Health include airlifting the injured to Nangarhar Regional Hospital, as reported by local media outlet TOLOnews.
Infrastructure Damage Compounds Challenges
Hundreds of homes have been destroyed or damaged, leaving survivors exposed to harsh conditions. Authorities emphasize the urgent need for shelter, medical supplies, and food as winter approaches. The earthquake highlights Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural disasters amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges.
International aid organizations are expected to coordinate relief efforts, though access to remote areas remains a critical hurdle. The disaster underscores the importance of regional cooperation in disaster response and preparedness across Asia.
