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Casualties and destruction were reported in at least five Afghan provinces, with tremors also felt in neighboring Pakistan and India
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Afghanistan is reeling from its deadliest earthquake since 2015, with more than 800 people confirmed dead and at least 2,500 injured. Officials warn the toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, speaking from Doha, said there is an urgent need for field hospitals, rescue equipment, food, clean water, and shelter in the quake-hit areas.
Where have casualties been reported?
According to a government source, initial figures show:
Most victims still Under debris in Nurgal District
Al Jazeera’s Mohsin Momand, reporting from Nurgal district—one of the worst-hit areas—described “widespread devastation.”
He said the journey to Masood village, which normally takes two hours, lasted eight hours due to damaged roads. Many nearby villages are only accessible on foot.
“Almost everyone lost family members here,” Momand reported, estimating the local death toll at around 250. “Most victims are still under the debris. People are devastated, and rescue teams have not yet reached some remote villages.”
WFP begins delivering food aid
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed its staff are already on the ground, delivering food to earthquake survivors.
In a post on X, WFP said it is ready to work with other humanitarian agencies on logistics and air support to expand relief efforts.
‘Many families lost half their members’
Afghanistan’s state broadcaster RTA aired emotional interviews with survivors receiving medical treatment.
Muhammad Azam, from Kunar province, said he lost his son, three daughters, and several relatives.
“When the earthquake struck, the roof collapsed. Only two of us managed to escape,” he said.
Another survivor recalled fleeing into the street while hearing his family trapped inside, “begging to be rescued.”
“We first pulled the children out, then the others from under the rubble. In this disaster, many families lost half of their members.”
More than 1.2 million people felt the quake
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that over 1.2 million people likely felt strong or very strong shaking during the main quake and at least five aftershocks through the night.
Casualties and destruction were reported in at least five Afghan provinces, with tremors also felt in neighboring Pakistan and India.
What we know about the quake
Magnitude: 6.0
Epicenter: Eastern Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan
Impact: More than 800 dead, 2,500 injured so far
Complications: Recent flooding and landslides have hampered rescue efforts
Authorities warn the toll may rise significantly as many villages remain inaccessible and rescue operations are still underway.
Source: Aljazeera
