Kathmandu, September 1
The death toll from the earthquake in Afghanistan has risen to 622, with more than 1,500 people injured. The quake, measuring magnitude 6, struck late at night.
The tremor devastated three villages in Kunar province, where 610 deaths were reported, while 12 more were confirmed in Nangarhar. Authorities fear the number of casualties could rise further as search operations continue.
According to reports, the epicenter was located 27 kilometers from Jalalabad, Afghanistan’s fifth-largest city, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors were felt as far away as Islamabad, Pakistan, nearly 400 kilometers from the epicenter.
The quake struck in the middle of the night, toppling most mud-and-stone houses in rural areas. Video footage released by media outlets showed helicopters airlifting the injured from affected zones. Rescue efforts are ongoing to search through the rubble, Reuters reported, citing officials.
The disaster has pushed Afghanistan, already struggling to recover from years of civil war, into another crisis. The South Asian nation is battling a severe humanitarian emergency while also facing drastic cuts in international aid.
The Taliban government’s Ministry of Interior said numerous houses in Kunar and Nangarhar had collapsed, causing heavy loss of life and property.
“All our teams have been mobilized for rescue and relief,” said ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani. “Efforts are underway to provide security, healthcare, and food supplies.”
Officials in Kabul said rescue teams are operating in rural areas frequently hit by floods and earthquakes.
The last major earthquake in Afghanistan occurred in 2022, when a 6.1 magnitude tremor killed nearly 1,000 people. Last night’s quake is the most powerful since then.
