Afghanistan Earthquake Kills 800, Taliban Seeks International Aid

A powerful earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan. The disaster has killed over 800 people. More than 2,500 others are injured. The quake hit near Jalalabad on Sunday night.

Rescue teams are working desperately in remote areas. The Taliban administration has urgently requested international help. This is one of the deadliest quakes to hit the country in recent years.

Afghanistan Earthquake Devastates Remote Villages

The 6.3 magnitude tremor struck at 11:47 pm local time. Its epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province. The US Geological Survey recorded the quake at a depth of 8 kilometers.

Multiple strong aftershocks followed the initial event. The strongest aftershock measured magnitude 5.2. These continued tremors hampered rescue efforts through the night.

Most casualties occurred in Kunar province. Villages there suffered catastrophic damage. The region’s fragile, mud-brick homes collapsed completely.

Rescue Operations and International Response Mobilize

Afghanistan’s defence ministry launched a major operation. They have conducted 40 flight sorties to reach isolated areas. These flights are evacuating the critically injured.

India was among the first nations to respond. They delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul immediately. More food and supplies are en route to the hardest-hit areas.

According to Reuters, the United Nations is also mobilizing support. The global body is coordinating with local authorities. Their focus is on delivering medical aid and shelter.

The scale of the destruction is immense. Roads were initially blocked by landslides. The highway to Kunar has since been reopened for aid convoys.

Why Afghanistan Is Vulnerable to Seismic Disasters

The country’s geography makes it prone to earthquakes. It is located near the confluence of tectonic plates. This creates frequent and often violent seismic activity.

Most rural Afghans live in homes made of mud-brick. These structures offer little protection against strong tremors. They often crumble completely, trapping inhabitants inside.

Limited infrastructure complicates rescue missions. Mountainous terrain makes many areas inaccessible by road. Aid often relies on military helicopters for delivery.

The economic crisis has further weakened resilience. Many communities lack basic emergency services. This magnifies the impact of natural disasters significantly.

The Afghanistan earthquake has caused unimaginable loss. The international community is now racing against time. Providing immediate shelter and medical care remains the critical priority for all rescue teams.

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What was the magnitude of the Afghanistan earthquake?

The US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 6.3. The quake was followed by several strong aftershocks. One aftershock reached a magnitude of 5.2.

Which area was most affected by the quake?

Kunar province suffered the highest number of casualties. Remote villages there saw entire neighborhoods destroyed. The terrain made rescue operations particularly difficult.

How is the international community responding?

India has already delivered tents and food supplies. The United Nations is coordinating aid efforts with local authorities. Several other nations have also pledged support.

Why was the earthquake so destructive?

Most homes in the region are built from vulnerable mud-brick. These structures collapse easily during strong seismic activity. The quake’s shallow depth also increased its intensity.

Are aftershocks still a danger?

Yes, aftershocks continue to rattle the region. They pose a risk to unstable structures and rescue workers. Seismologists are monitoring the situation closely.