In brief
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, particularly affecting Kunar province, leading to at least 800 fatalities and over 2,500 injuries as rescue operations unfold. The region faces severe humanitarian challenges amid existing crises, prompting international calls for relief support.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A powerful earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, causing significant devastation. The 6.0 magnitude quake, which hit late Sunday near the city of Jalalabad, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 800 people and injuries to over 2,500 individuals, according to reports from the Taliban government. Desperate residents, amidst the ruins, are frantically digging for missing loved ones, using only their hands as rescue teams work to evacuate survivors from collapsed buildings. Video footage reveals heart-wrenching scenes, with helicopters transporting the injured from Kunar province, where most of the casualties have been reported. “Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble. Young people are under the rubble,” pleaded one villager from Nurgal district, one of the worst-hit areas. He called for help to recover those still trapped beneath the wreckage. Rescue efforts are complicated by the mountainous terrain, which hampers communication and access. The Taliban government spokesperson has confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing, and medical teams from surrounding provinces have begun aiding affected areas. The challenges facing Afghanistan are compounded by existing humanitarian issues, with the United Nations calling for increased international support for relief efforts in the wake of this disaster, amidst ongoing crises including droughts and the forced return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries. Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, highlighted the urgent need for assistance, reflecting on the dire circumstances Afghans face following this calamity. There were also tremors reported in parts of Pakistan, but no immediate damages were reported there.As rescue crews continue their vital work, the true extent of the damage remains unclear, with officials expecting casualty figures to rise as more areas report in. Resilience among local communities shines through even in the face of such a tragic event, with neighbors coming together to find and support one another in this time of need.
