Earthquake in Afghanistan: Over 500 dead, thousands injured.

Strong earthquakes in Afghanistan

According to The Sun: At least 500 people have died and over 1,000 have been injured as a result of a series of strong earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan.

The most powerful of them, measuring 6.0 in magnitude, occurred near Jalalabad around midnight local time. It destroyed buildings and caused shaking that was felt even in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital located nearly 200 miles away.

An injured Afghan boy receives treatment in a hospital after the earthquakes

Taliban fighters and civilians carry earthquake victims to the ambulance in Jalalabad

The map shows the epicenter of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Jalalabad, Nangarhar province highlighted in red

What are the consequences?

Settlements in Kunar province, near Jalalabad and the Pakistani border, have suffered the most significant losses.

Reports are already coming in of entirely destroyed villages.

According to a state radio report, around 500 people have died, and 1,000 have been injured.

Rescue teams are working in several areas of the mountain range.

Officials expect the death toll to rise as rescuers reach the most affected areas.

The challenging terrain complicates access to survivors.

“The earthquake caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces,” said a Taliban government representative.

They also added: “Local officials and residents are now engaged in rescue efforts for the affected.”

“Support teams from the center and neighboring provinces are also on their way.”

Many buildings in this area are constructed from clay bricks and wood, making them particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.

Subsequent earthquakes

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred at 23:47, 17 miles northeast of Jalalabad, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The epicenter is located at a depth of 5 miles.

Approximately 20 minutes later, another earthquake of magnitude 4.5 occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles.

This was followed by a third earthquake measuring 5.2 at the same depth.

Data indicate three additional earthquakes measuring 4.3, 4.7, and 5.2 occurred within the next six hours.

A man with an injured leg receives treatment at a hospital in Jalalabad

Injured Afghans receive treatment in a hospital.

This series of earthquakes is yet another tragedy for Afghanistan, where the health care and infrastructure situation was already extremely unstable. Rescue operations continue, but considering the difficult terrain and limited resources, help for the affected may be delayed. Important monitoring of the situation continues to ensure adequate support and resource provision if necessary.