6.0-Magnitude Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan Claims Over 600 Lives

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in at least 622 deaths and over 1,500 injuries, according to the Taliban-run interior ministry. The quake occurred at 11:47 p.m. local time, approximately 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, at a depth of 8 kilometers, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremor severely impacted rural areas, particularly in Kunar province, where three villages were destroyed and many others damaged. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with helicopters transporting the injured and both residents and medics assisting in recovery operations. Communication challenges and the mountainous terrain are complicating relief efforts.

Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes due to its location on tectonic plate boundaries. This disaster adds to the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by reduced aid and mass deportations.