Kabul: More than 600 people lost their lives after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night. Officials from the Taliban-run interior ministry confirmed at least 622 fatalities, warning that the number is likely to rise as rescuers reach isolated villages.
The United States Geological Survey reported the quake at magnitude 6.0, centred about 14 kilometres southeast of Jalalabad at a shallow depth of roughly 8 kilometres. The shallow epicentre intensified the tremors, leaving widespread destruction in Nangarhar and neighbouring Kunar provinces.
Tremors were also felt across Pakistan, including in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, while several aftershocks, some stronger than magnitude 5, rattled the region through the night.
Hospitals in eastern Afghanistan are struggling to cope as more than 1,500 people have been reported injured. Rescue teams and local volunteers continue to search for survivors beneath the rubble of mud-brick houses, many of which collapsed instantly. Landslides have blocked several mountain roads, delaying relief efforts.
The Afghan Red Crescent and emergency responders are coordinating with international humanitarian agencies to deliver medical aid, food, and shelter. However, authorities warn that disaster response remains stretched due to ongoing financial and logistical challenges.
Residents have been urged to stay away from damaged structures as aftershocks remain a threat. Officials say casualty numbers will likely climb as communication with remote areas improves.
