A powerful earthquake rocked Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in horrific loss of life and destruction. The 6.0 magnitude quake struck at 11:47 PM local time, centered approximately 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province. According to the Taliban’s interior ministry, at least 622 people have been killed. Moreover, more than 1,500 others have been injured.
Afghanistan is some of the most seismic sensitive land in the world, with unique geological formations causing vulnerabilities to earthquakes. The rugged Hindu Kush mountain range runs through the entire country and is known for its deadly earthquakes. Such seismic activities are the result of the ongoing interaction of three tectonic plates that come together in central Appalachia. The recent quake was strong enough to cause tremors that were felt as far away as Kabul and Islamabad. Houses rattled, and the community’s safety was severely tested.
The earthquake was extremely felt in the province of Kunar where many towns located outside of Jalalabad have been heavily damaged. Many villages in this mountainous area have reportedly been “completely destroyed,” according to Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health. Rescue operations are still ongoing in Kunar districts. Emergency workers are working around the clock to find survivors buried in the debris of toppled homes.
The government medical teams in Kunar, Nangarhar and Kabul quickly responded after the disaster. They have shifted into a rescue and humanitarian mode, treating the injured. The situation remains dire as local authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate rescue efforts.
“Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble. Young people are under the rubble,” – villager
The earthquakes set off extensive aftershocks. Only 20 minutes after that, Kunar province shook with a magnitude 4.5 quake. The changing casualty figures illustrate the confusion within ongoing rescue operations. We know that officials are truly doing their best to attempt to gather this important data while saving lives.
Jalalabad is located approximately 119 kilometers (74 miles) from Kabul. Political instability added to its strategic location bordering Pakistan, which turned Peshawar into a most dynamic and culturally diverse trade city. Its geographical location bordering neighboring countries has, for decades, made it a key crossing point for the region’s trade and humanitarian assistance.
The Taliban government has a desperate need for economic and humanitarian support. They will want resources in hand immediately to address missions during the window of recovery after this disastrous event. Residents of affected areas are left grappling with the loss of loved ones and homes, facing an uncertain future as they begin to rebuild their lives amid the ruins.