An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 rocked eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 500 people and injuring more than 1000. The districts of Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara in Kunar province were the most severely affected, according to Khaama Press, which cited Taliban-run officials. At least nine individuals were killed and numerous others were injured in the province of Nangarhar. Entire towns composed of delicate stone and clay crumbled, landslides blocked important roads, and communication failures made rescue and relief operations even more difficult.
Officials demanded immediate international assistance and confirmed the number of casualties. According to Khaama Press, despite the dispatch of rescue personnel and helicopters, activities have been hindered by difficult terrain and extensive damage to infrastructure. A 4.3 magnitude tremor at 140 km depth and a 5.0 magnitude tremor at 40 km depth followed.
The catastrophe highlights Afghanistan’s ongoing susceptibility to earthquakes, especially in isolated and mountainous regions. Less than two years have passed since another fatal earthquake, underscoring the ongoing danger. Following the powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.0 that struck Afghanistan, tremors were detected in several locations of Pakistan. Several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Pakistan, experienced the earthquakes in the early hours of Monday, according to Dawn. According to authorities, there have been no reports of damage or casualties thus far.
