Death toll of Afghanistan earthquake reaches eight hundred

(MENAFN) A devastating earthquake measuring 6.0 in magnitude has killed at least 800 people and injured more than 2,800 in eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, according to officials. Authorities warned that the number of victims could rise further as rescue operations continue.

Reports indicated the tremor struck around midnight local time, with its epicenter located near Jalalabad in Kunar Province, about 120 kilometers east of Kabul. Shortly after, the region was hit by a 4.5 aftershock and another quake measuring 5.2.

“Sadly, tonight’s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces. Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people,” spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on X, adding that all resources would be deployed to save lives.

Kunar, one of the most severely affected areas, saw widespread destruction, with many homes leveled and entire villages reduced to rubble. “Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble. Young people are under the rubble,” a local resident told reporters, urging for urgent assistance in rescuing those still trapped.

Authorities noted that casualties have been confirmed across several districts, including Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara. They stressed that the figures remain provisional, as access to remote mountain communities remains difficult.

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