Massive Earthquake Devastates Afghanistan's Kunar Province, Over 600 Dead And Hundreds Injured

2025-09-01 05:06:45

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network)

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A powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan's Kunar province and surrounding areas late last night, leaving widespread devastation and causing massive loss of life.

According to Afghan authorities, at least 610 people have been confirmed dead, while over 1,500 have been injured. Several villages have been completely buried under debris.

Afghan broadcaster Tolo News reported that most of the fatalities occurred in Kunar's districts of Nurgal, Sawkai, Watapur, Manogai, and Chapa Dara. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.0, had its epicenter near Jalalabad city, about 8 kilometers underground. The region experienced five aftershocks ranging between 4.3 and 5.2 in magnitude following the main quake.

Entire villages in Nurgal district have been flattened, and authorities fear dozens more people may still be trapped under the rubble. Local residents have urgently appealed for accelerated rescue operations. Rescue teams from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Health have reached the affected areas, while helicopters are airlifting the injured to Nangarhar Regional Hospital.

Turkish news agency Anadolu, citing the Afghan Ministry of Information, also confirmed the casualties. Officials said landslides triggered by the quake have blocked key roads, creating significant hurdles for relief operations.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan's interim government, stated:
“All available resources will be utilized to save human lives.”

The tremors were also felt in Kabul and parts of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale. No casualties or damages have been reported in Pakistan so far.

Afghanistan remains among the world's most earthquake-prone countries. Just last year, a devastating quake in the western region claimed over 1,000 lives.

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