Devastating Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan Claims 800 Lives

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:06:39 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A significant earthquake measuring 6.0 magnitude struck Eastern Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of over 800 individuals and serious injuries to more than 2,500 others, according to the Taliban government. Rescue efforts are ongoing in the affected areas.

A powerful earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan, particularly damaging the Kunar province, where thousands of homes were destroyed. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency services mobilizing to support the wounded. Survivors recount harrowing experiences as they search for family members trapped in debris. International humanitarian aid is urgently needed as the situation worsens with ongoing aftershocks.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 magnitude struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday, leading to widespread devastation in Kunar province. Reports indicate that over 800 people have lost their lives, with at least 2,500 more injured, as confirmed by a Taliban government spokesman on Monday.

The earthquake, which occurred at 11:47 PM local time, had its epicenter 27 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of the city of Jalalabad. Due to its shallow depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles), the quake caused extensive damage with many buildings collapsing and trapping residents underneath.

Footage from the scene depicted frantic rescue attempts as people used their bare hands to dig through the rubble in search of their loved ones, while others were transported by helicopters to hospitals.

A resident from the Nurgal district described the horror, stating, 'Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble. We need help here.' The Taliban have pledged to utilize all available resources to rescue victims and aid in recovery.

The extent of the damage is still unclear as many remote areas are yet to report casualty figures. The UN has called for international support for relief efforts, highlighting ongoing issues facing the Afghan population which include drought and the return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries. Efforts are also being made to assist the survivors and support the medical services in the region.