A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the mountainous areas of the Afghan-Pakistan border overnight, resulting in the death of at least 800 people and 2,500 injuries. The death toll is expected to rise, The New York Times reported, citing local Afghan officials.
The epicenter of the quake was centered near the city of Jalalabad, home to 200,000 people. Most of the destruction was situated in the province of Kunar, north of Jalalabad, where landslides were reported and mud and brick houses were destroyed.
Footage of the destruction:
Notable quake-disaster highlights from the Wall Street Journal:
Casualties and Injuries
More than 800 dead, with the toll expected to rise as many remain buried under debris.
Over 2,500 injured, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid.
Many victims were women and children, asleep when the quake hit.
Rescue and Relief Challenges
Remote terrain and landslides have destroyed roads, slowing rescue operations. The 200-bed provincial hospital is overwhelmed, with the injured lying outside in open areas.
Emergency Response
The Taliban government has deployed rescue teams and arranged special flights to transport casualties.
UN agencies and WHO are providing emergency aid.
Hundreds of Afghan youth are donating blood at Nangarhar Regional Hospital.
India and Pakistan expressed condolences and offered assistance.
Pakistan reported no casualties or major damage on its side of the border.
The quake comes as no surprise, given that Afghanistan sits on fault lines between the Arabian, Eurasian, and Indian plates.
In October 2023, two major quakes killed 2,400 people. The Taliban will be tested by their response effort, perhaps even putting those U.S. helicopters to good use.
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