Powerful Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan, Casualties and Destruction Reported

Kabul, Sep 1 (AP) A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, leading to the destruction of numerous villages and causing extensive damage. At least 250 people have been reported dead, and at least 500 others sustained injuries, according to officials.

Expectations are that the numbers will rise as search and rescue teams continue to access the affected areas.

The earthquake occurred late Sunday, impacting a series of towns in the Kunar province, close to Jalalabad in the neighboring Nangarhar province.

The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake had a magnitude of 6.0 and struck at 11:47 p.m. The epicenter was located 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad and had a depth of just 8 kilometers, making it particularly damaging due to its shallowness.

The Kunar Disaster Management Authority reported at least 250 fatalities and 500 injuries in the districts of Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare.

“We are still conducting rescue operations, and several villages are completely destroyed. The casualty figures are currently being updated. Medical teams from Kunar, Nangarhar, and Kabul have arrived,” stated Sharafat Zaman, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health.

He pointed out that many areas have been unable to provide complete casualty reports, implying that the numbers could increase as more data is collected.

Jalalabad, a city with a bustling trade scene due to its location near Pakistan and a key border crossing, lies nearby.

With a population of approximately 300,000 according to municipal data, the metropolitan area is thought to be significantly larger. Most buildings are low-rise, made of concrete and brick, with outlying areas hosting structures of mud bricks and wood, often of poor construction.

Jalalabad is also significant for agriculture and farming, notably producing citrus fruits and rice, with the Kabul River flowing through.

A previous seismic event, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Afghanistan on October 7, 2023, followed by strong aftershocks. The Taliban government claimed at least 4,000 people died, while the UN reported a far lower death toll of about 1,500. This stands as the deadliest natural disaster to hit Afghanistan in recent memory.

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