UPDATE: The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Sunday has surged to 1,109, with 2,938 others reported injured, officials confirm. The 6.0 magnitude quake hit just before midnight, with its epicenter located approximately 17 miles east of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province.
Emergency responders are racing against time to reach isolated villages still cut off from aid. Shah Mahmood, a Taliban official in Nangarhar, warned that more casualties may be discovered as rescue operations continue. The quake has left around 8,000 houses destroyed, further complicating relief efforts for the estimated 12,000 people directly affected, according to the World Health Organization.
Almost all fatalities occurred in Kunar Province, as reported by Zabihullah Mujahid, a government spokesperson. Mufti Abdul Matin Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, confirmed additional deaths in Nangarhar Province.
This tragic event marks another chapter in Afghanistan’s recent history of deadly earthquakes, following a 5.9 magnitude quake in June 2022 and a 6.3 magnitude quake in October 2023, both resulting in over 1,000 casualties.
As rescue teams strive to navigate through debris and assess the full scale of destruction, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Authorities are appealing for international assistance to support recovery efforts and provide aid to those impacted.
NEXT: As the situation develops, updates will be essential. The international community’s response and the effectiveness of local rescue operations will play a crucial role in the coming days.
