Dara Noor, Afghanistan — The aftermath of a devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake continues to unfold across eastern Afghanistan, with reports indicating that the death toll has surpassed 1,400 and thousands more have been injured. The Taliban government’s official figures, released by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, account only for the Kunar province, but the quake’s impact is felt across multiple regions.
The earthquake struck late Sunday night, causing widespread destruction in various villages, many of which were composed of mud-brick homes that collapsed under the tremors. Rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to the region’s difficult terrain. Taliban authorities have resorted to air-dropping commandos to evacuate the injured from areas that are inaccessible to helicopters.
Indrika Ratwatte, a senior official from the United Nations, highlighted the particular vulnerability of homes in the affected areas. He noted that the timing of the quake, when many residents were asleep, contributed to the high number of casualties. Structures built from locally sourced, natural materials such as mud and wood are ill-equipped to withstand seismic activity, and the lack of engineered designs exacerbates the danger.
The earthquake is a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s geological vulnerability. Located near the tectonically active Himalayan and Hindu Kush ranges, the country has experienced numerous severe earthquakes historically. With this being the third major earthquake since the Taliban regained power in 2021, the already precarious humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has intensified.
The construction methods commonly employed in rural communities—characterized by monolithic designs using mud bricks and stone—render homes particularly dangerous during tremors. The quick collapse of these structures often traps their occupants, leading to a higher incidence of fatalities and injuries.
Compounding the crisis, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated in recent years due to cuts in international aid. Concerns have been raised about limited resources dedicated to providing medical care in the affected areas. Arthur Comon, deputy director of operations at the aid organization Première Urgence Internationale, lamented the reduction of support for crucial services such as ambulances and medical personnel.
As Afghanistan grapples with the fallout from this natural disaster, ongoing economic challenges and humanitarian crises persist. The United States, which had been the largest donor to Afghanistan prior to the Taliban takeover, has significantly reduced aid, further straining the country’s ability to respond to emergencies.
Local aid efforts have been rendered even more difficult, with many health facilities shutting down due to lack of funding. According to Ratwatte, nearly 400 health centers have closed, contributing to a broader humanitarian crisis.
This earthquake has exposed the vulnerabilities of a population already suffering from multiple crises, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and support in a nation facing its most difficult challenges in decades.