SRINAGAR: The death toll from the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday has risen to at least 800, with more than 2,800 injured, according to Afghan officials and multiple international news organisations. The quake, which measured 6.0 in magnitude, flattened numerous villages in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces near Jalalabad, causing widespread destruction and overwhelming local medical facilities.
Authorities told Reuters that helicopters have been mobilised to airlift the injured from remote, mountainous areas to hospitals as rescue teams continue to search for survivors under the rubble. Many homes, particularly mudbrick structures typical in the region, were completely destroyed. The disaster has further strained the Taliban government’s limited resources, as the country faces ongoing humanitarian crises and diminishing international aid.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesperson, confirmed the latest figures at a press briefing, stating that the vast majority of deaths occurred in Kunar, with hundreds more injured in both provinces. Officials warn that the toll may still climb as the search and rescue operations proceed and more information becomes available.
Neighbouring countries, including Pakistan and India, also felt the tremors, but the greatest devastation was in Afghanistan. International organisations, including the United Nations, have called for urgent support to assist with rescue and relief efforts.
