Afghanistan Earthquake: A powerful Afghanistan earthquake has left the country in shock and grief. More than 800 people have lost their lives after a 6.0 magnitude tremor struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday, August 31. Hundreds more have been injured, and entire villages have been reduced to rubble.
The disaster struck Kunar province around 11:47 pm local time, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicenter was 27 kilometers away and just 8 kilometers deep, amplifying its destructive impact.
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Afghanistan Earthquake: Death Toll Rises Rapidly
On Monday morning, the initial death toll stood at around 250. But within hours, that number more than tripled. By noon, over 800 people were confirmed dead, with hundreds of others injured and in critical condition. Rescue workers, already stretched thin, are racing against time to find survivors trapped under debris.
The Taliban government has deployed emergency teams for relief and medical care. Many of the injured are being treated in nearby hospitals, though resources remain scarce.
Afghanistan Earthquake: India and Global Reaction
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep condolences to the Afghan people in a message on X (formerly Twitter). He assured that India will provide all possible support to Afghanistan in this time of crisis.
Other neighboring countries and international organizations are also monitoring the situation closely, with aid expected to arrive in the coming days.
Why Afghanistan Faces Frequent Earthquakes
Afghanistan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions. The reason lies beneath its soil. The country sits at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, a volatile zone where earthquakes are frequent and often deadly.
Key reasons Afghanistan is vulnerable:
- Multiple fault lines run beneath the country.
- The mountainous terrain of eastern Afghanistan is prone to landslides, worsening quake damage.
- Weak infrastructure and poorly constructed houses make communities extremely fragile in disasters.
Past Earthquakes in Afghanistan
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Afghanistan has faced such devastation.
- In October 2023, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake killed an estimated 4,000 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent times.
- In 2022, more than 1,000 people died when another powerful quake hit western Afghanistan.
- According to a United Nations report, over 7,000 people have died due to earthquakes in Afghanistan in the past decade, averaging 560 deaths every year.
Afghanistan Earthquake: The Struggle of Rescue Operations
Rescue operations in Afghanistan are often extremely challenging. With remote villages, rough terrain, and poor infrastructure, aid takes time to reach those in need. In many areas, roads have been destroyed, leaving rescuers with no option but to travel on foot or use helicopters.
Local residents are also digging through rubble with bare hands, desperately searching for family members. Survivors have been left homeless, with little food, water, or shelter.
What Lies Ahead for Afghanistan
While aftershocks remain a threat, the larger challenge will be recovery. Thousands have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Rebuilding will take years, especially for a country already struggling with political and economic instability.
Experts warn that unless Afghanistan invests in earthquake-resistant infrastructure and receives strong international support, such tragedies will keep repeating.
ByNews-View
The Afghanistan earthquake is a heartbreaking reminder of how vulnerable human life remains against the forces of nature. With over 800 deaths in just a few hours, this disaster exposes the urgent need for better infrastructure, early-warning systems, and global cooperation. Afghanistan cannot fight this alone. The world must step up – not only with immediate aid but also with long-term resilience strategies.
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