Strong Quake Claims Over 250 Lives in Afghanistan

(MENAFN) More than 250 people have died and over 500 sustained injuries after a powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, according to the country's Information Ministry, which spoke to media.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at 11:47 p.m. local time (1917 GMT), with its epicenter approximately 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad, at a shallow depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles)—a factor that often worsens surface impact.

Casualties have been confirmed across several districts in Kunar province, including Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara, a ministry official told media. The official emphasized that the toll may rise as communications with remote regions continue and emergency teams struggle to access isolated areas.

The official noted that the death and injury tolls remain preliminary, as authorities continue to establish contact with residents in remote areas and dispatch aid teams to the affected zones.

Rescue operations are facing significant challenges. Landslides triggered by the quake have rendered key roads impassable, particularly routes to Dewa Gul in Sawki and Mazar Dara in Nur Gul, hindering relief efforts.

Local residents described the tremor as one of the most intense earthquakes in recent memory.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s interim administration, confirmed the devastation via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Sadly, tonight's earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces.”

Mujahid noted that both local communities and officials have mobilized for rescue efforts, with reinforcements from central and neighboring provinces en route.

“All available resources will be utilized to save lives,” he added.

Following the main quake, the USGS recorded two aftershocks, each measuring 5.2 in magnitude, in the same region—raising further concerns for already vulnerable communities.

Emergency services remain on high alert as authorities brace for potentially rising casualties in the hours ahead.

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