Massive Earthquake in Afghanistan Leaves 1,400 People Dead

Afghanistan—(Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Afghanistan is facing its deadliest earthquake in years, with the death toll rising to more than 1,400 people as of Tuesday. Thousands have been injured, and rescue teams are struggling to reach remote mountain villages because of blocked roads and harsh terrain.

According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, at least 1,411 people have died, over 3,124 are injured, and more than 5,400 homes have been destroyed. The Afghan Red Crescent Society warned that more people might still be buried under rubble. The United Nations has also said that the toll could increase further.

The earthquake, measuring 6.0 in magnitude, struck around midnight on Sunday at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The worst-hit areas include the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, where entire villages have been flattened.

Rescue operations began in four affected villages in Kunar on Monday and are now expanding to hard-to-reach mountain regions. Ehsanullah Ehsan, the provincial disaster management head, said rescuers are racing against time to find survivors. “We are working as fast as possible to clear the debris and provide aid to families,” he added.

Local villagers are also helping in the search, using their bare hands to remove debris from collapsed mud and stone homes. Many families have buried their loved ones in simple white shrouds, while some are still searching for missing relatives.

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Roads blocked by landslides and debris have slowed down emergency aid delivery. Helicopters are now being used to transport supplies and evacuate the injured to hospitals in Kabul and other provinces.

Thousands of children are at risk, warned UNICEF. The organization is sending emergency medicines, tents, blankets, and hygiene supplies to affected areas. The World Health Organization said over 12,000 people have been affected and warned that damaged roads and aftershocks are making relief operations very difficult.

Afghanistan was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, worsened by reduced foreign aid after the Taliban takeover in 2021. The UN announced an initial $5 million in emergency support, while other countries, including Pakistan, India, China, UAE, and the UK, have pledged assistance. Food, shelter, and medical help are desperately needed as survivors live in open areas, fearing more aftershocks.