Powerful Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan, Over 20 Dead, Hundreds Injured

Kabul: A strong earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale hit eastern Afghanistan late last night, causing widespread destruction in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck at 11:47 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 27 kilometers from Jalalabad at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers.

The tremors were felt across Kabul, Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, and several cities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, sending thousands of people rushing out of their homes in panic.

Preliminary reports confirm at least 20 fatalities and more than 100 injured, though authorities fear the toll could rise as rescue teams struggle to reach remote mountain villages. Dozens of houses have collapsed in Kunar and Nangarhar, leaving many trapped under the rubble.

Emergency teams, supported by helicopters, are working to evacuate the injured and deliver aid to the worst-hit areas. Roads blocked by landslides have complicated rescue operations, forcing authorities to rely heavily on aerial support.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid described the earthquake as “devastating,” acknowledging both human and material losses. He appealed to international relief organizations for urgent assistance, particularly for communities stranded in mountainous regions.

Residents reported at least 13 aftershocks following the main quake, which fueled further panic. Many families in Nangarhar spent the night outdoors, too afraid to return to their homes.

Officials confirmed that Kunar province has been hit hardest, with poor road access and ongoing landslides making relief operations even more challenging. Rescue workers are focusing on clearing blocked routes and conducting aerial evacuations, but authorities admit that more support is urgently needed.