Devastating Earthquake Claims Over 800 Lives in Afghanistan

Mon Sep 15 2025 16:05:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A magnitude-six earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, leading to a catastrophic death toll and severe injuries as communities grapple with the aftermath in the face of severe existing challenges.

Just before midnight on Sunday, Afghanistan experienced a powerful earthquake that resulted in over 800 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries. The majority of casualties have been reported in Kunar province, where rescue efforts are hindered by the remote mountainous terrain. This disaster strikes amid a backdrop of drought and pervasive hunger, complicating the humanitarian response. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos at overwhelmed hospitals, as local and international aid attempts to address the crisis.

More than 800 people have been killed and nearly 3,000 injured after a magnitude-six earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan just before midnight on Sunday, as reported by the United Nations' humanitarian agency.

Officials indicate that most casualties occurred in Kunar province, with warnings that the numbers may increase significantly due to the destruction of entire villages.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in a remote mountainous region, complicating the already difficult rescue operations. The scale of devastation is unimaginable, commented a Taliban official.

This natural disaster presents an additional challenge for a country already facing severe drought, significant aid cuts, and a humanitarian crisis labeled unprecedented by the World Food Programme.

The quake hit at 23:47 local time (19:47 GMT) on Sunday, approximately 27km east of Jalalabad, Afghanistan's fifth-largest city, located in eastern Nangarhar province.

One resident, Faridullah Fazli, recalled being woken up by the tremors and described the terrifying experience. There was a very strong earthquake, accompanied by sounds that were very scary, he reported.

Casualty transport to hospitals has become urgent, with local clinics overwhelmed and hundreds of victims requiring immediate medical attention. An eyewitness from Mazar Dara described how 95% of his village was destroyed, with multiple injured in virtually every household.

The region's rugged terrain, with its poorly maintained roads, has severely hindered access to rescue teams. Helicopters have become crucial for transporting aid and rescuers due to blocked roads from landslides and flooding that have affected the area recently.

Despite efforts, the Taliban official in Kunar explained that many dead remain trapped under the rubble, while search efforts now emphasize rescuing the living over recovering bodies. Meanwhile, witnesses have noted people awaiting help under collapsed structures.

Local hospitals were already strained due to the influx of Afghans being deported from Pakistan, compounding the chaos as more injured individuals arrive from the earthquake.

Communication difficulties due to limited internet connectivity have further exacerbated the challenges faced by rescue teams and hospitals trying to coordinate an effective response.

Afghanistan has endured several severe earthquakes historically, with the latest disaster striking in a particularly tragic context, given the ongoing humanitarian struggles under Taliban governance, which has led to significant international aid reductions.

As the nation begins to grapple with the aftermath of this catastrophe, the Taliban government has issued a public appeal for aid, hoping to attract assistance to deal with the urgent humanitarian needs.