Earthquake in Afghanistan Claims Hundreds of Lives

Recent reports indicate that a powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday, resulting in at least 800 fatalities and 2,500 injuries.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.0 and occurred at 11:47 PM, approximately 17 miles east-northeast of Jalalabad.

The majority of casualties and injuries have been reported from Kunar province, as stated by a spokesperson for the Taliban government. Notably, many buildings in Afghanistan aren’t constructed from concrete and brick, exposing them to greater risk during such disasters.

Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Public Health, mentioned that the area’s inaccessibility has made it challenging to gather precise information regarding human losses and infrastructural damage.

“We initiated a large-scale rescue operation, deploying hundreds to assist in the affected regions,” he remarked.

The United Nations in Afghanistan expressed deep sorrow over the earthquake’s devastating impact, confirming that their team is on-site providing emergency aid. They extended their thoughts to the impacted communities.

The spokesperson further emphasized the urgent need for assistance, stating, “Many have lost their lives and homes here.”

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s lead spokesman, announced the formation of a special committee aimed at aiding victims and coordinating the evacuation of essential supplies.

Reports suggest that both India and Pakistan are extending support to Afghanistan as ground rescue operations continue.

This earthquake comes just days after the fourth anniversary of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, a decision that led to the deaths of 13 American service members and a shift in the political landscape under Taliban control.