
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, resulting in a tragic loss of at least 800 lives and leaving thousands injured. The epicenter was near the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, with significant impact also felt in the neighboring Kunar province.
Impact and Damage
The earthquake caused widespread devastation, including:
- Entire villages flattened
- Homes severely damaged or destroyed
- Challenging rescue operations due to rough mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions
Rescue Efforts
Emergency response teams are employing helicopters to transport the injured to hospitals, although accessing remote and hard-to-reach areas remains a significant challenge. Authorities have warned that the death toll is expected to increase as search and rescue operations continue.
Government and Community Response
The Taliban government has made an urgent appeal to the international community for aid to assist in managing the disaster’s aftermath. Residents of the affected regions reported terrifying experiences as buildings collapsed around them, with many families mourning the loss of loved ones.
Significance and Ongoing Needs
This earthquake is among the deadliest in recent years for Afghanistan, underscoring the area’s vulnerability to natural disasters. As local responders and aid agencies mobilize relief efforts, there is an urgent need for assistance to support survivors and begin the reconstruction of devastated communities.
Stay connected with Questiqa World News for continuous updates on this developing situation.