The death toll from a devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan late last night has climbed to more than 500, with fears that the number will rise further as rescue operations intensify.
According to reports, the powerful 6.0 magnitude quake struck around midnight with its epicenter in Kunar province, while Nangarhar, Nuristan, and Laghman were also badly affected. Aftershocks were particularly strong in Nangarhar, causing panic among residents.
Rescue teams and local residents are working tirelessly to pull survivors from beneath the rubble of collapsed homes and buildings. Unconfirmed estimates suggest that more than 2,000 people have been injured, while dozens remain missing. Officials warned that a large number of people are still trapped under debris, raising concerns of an even higher death toll.
A source at the Kunar Disaster Management Office confirmed that over 500 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries have been officially recorded so far, with rescue operations ongoing.
Government officials expressed sorrow over the tragedy. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, said the administration is fully engaged in relief and rescue efforts. He confirmed that rescue teams from neighboring provinces have already arrived in Kunar.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defense have joined the operations, deploying helicopters and vehicles to transport the injured to hospitals in Kunar, other provinces, and Kabul. Medical authorities confirmed that severely wounded victims are being shifted to major hospitals in Kabul for specialized treatment.
The United Nations expressed condolences and confirmed that humanitarian and rescue teams have reached Kunar to assist victims.
Meanwhile, Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, head of the Disaster Management Authority, arrived in Kunar by helicopter with initial relief supplies, including food, tents, and other essentials. Local sources, however, reported that many people remain trapped under the rubble, and continuous rescue efforts are underway.
The earthquake has left widespread destruction, with thousands displaced and entire villages reduced to rubble. Humanitarian agencies fear a worsening crisis as survivors face shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies.
