Devastating Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan

Strategic Insights -

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 800 people and injuring over 2,000. The quake hit a mountainous area about 27 kilometers east-north-east of Jalalabad, Afghanistan's fifth-largest city, at around 11:47pm local time on Sunday. The provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar were worst affected, with many buildings in the region having poor construction, leading to widespread destruction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 800 people have been killed and more than 2,000 injured in the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan.
  • The quake hit a mountainous area about 27 kilometers east-north-east of Jalalabad, causing widespread destruction in the provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar.
  • The Afghan health ministry has confirmed 30 dead in a single village, with many more fatalities expected.
  • Local officials said that the provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar have been worst affected, with many buildings in the region having poor construction.
  • A second quake of 4.5 magnitude struck the same area 20 minutes later, causing further destruction.
  • Landslides have cut off roads in Kunar province, forcing rescuers to rely on helicopters to access affected areas.
  • The Taliban's defense ministry has said 40 rescue flights have carried 420 dead and wounded from the area.
  • The Taliban government are appealing for urgent international help, but so far, no foreign governments have reached out to provide support for rescue or relief work.
  • Earthquakes are common in eastern Afghanistan, with the country's west having also been hit by a series of earthquakes, resulting in over 1,000 deaths last year.

Statistics:

  • Magnitude: 6.0
  • Depth: 8km
  • Severity: Severe

*死 Number of fatalities: Over 800

  • Injured: Over 2,000
  • Confirmed dead in a single village: 30
  • Number of rescue flights: 40
  • Number of dead and wounded carried by rescue flights: 420

Sources:

  • Sadiqullah, "We need help here" (Nangarhar Hospital)
  • Najibullah Hanif, Provincial information head (Nangarhar)
  • Abdul Maten Qanee, Ministry spokesperson for Taliban's defense ministry
  • Sharafat Zaman, Health ministry spokesperson
  • "US Geological Survey (USGS)", Categorizing the quake as severe
  • ABC/wires ( reporting the quake and its aftermath)