6.0-Magnitude Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan Claims Over 800 Lives

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, resulting in over 800 fatalities and more than 2,800 injuries, according to Taliban government officials. The quake's epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, severely impacting the neighboring Kunar province.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles), a shallow depth that typically causes more significant damage. The tremor led to the destruction of several villages, particularly in remote, mountainous areas near the Pakistani border, where mudbrick homes collapsed.

Rescue operations are underway, with helicopters transporting the injured to hospitals. However, efforts are hampered by blocked roads and damaged infrastructure, making access to some affected areas challenging.

The Taliban administration has appealed for international assistance to address the disaster, which exacerbates the country's existing humanitarian challenges. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed solidarity with the Afghan people, stating that the UN team in Afghanistan is mobilized to assist those in need.

Afghanistan is prone to seismic activity due to its location near the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This earthquake is among the deadliest in recent years, following a 6.3-magnitude quake in 2023 that resulted in significant casualties.