Catastrophic Earthquake Hits Eastern Afghanistan, Claiming Over 800 Lives

Tue Oct 21 2025 12:01:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A powerful earthquake has devastated eastern Afghanistan, resulting in a tragic death toll of at least 800, with more than 2,500 others injured. Rescue operations are ongoing as local residents search for loved ones among the rubble.

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, centered near Jalalabad, causing significant destruction and a rising death toll. Eyewitness accounts describe buildings collapsing and desperate efforts to rescue those trapped. The Taliban government reports that the majority of casualties are in Kunar province, with rescue teams mobilizing to assist the affected regions.

KABUL, Afghanistan (PulseWire News) — A devastating earthquake rocked eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in at least 800 fatalities and over 2,500 injured, as reported by the Taliban government on Monday.

The earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, struck at approximately 11:47 PM. Its epicenter was located about 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad, in Kunar province, at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, heightening its destructive impact. Numerous aftershocks have been reported, adding to the chaos and fear among local residents.

Emergency footage revealed the harrowing scenes of rescue efforts as responders used stretchers to transport the injured from collapsed structures, while frantic citizens executed desperate searches through the debris, hoping to reach trapped family members.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban government, confirmed during a press briefing that the death toll had escalated to at least 800, with many casualties occurring in Kunar. Reports from the field indicate widespread destruction, especially in rural communities where residents have lost their homes.

One survivor from Nurgal district described the sheer terror of witnessing buildings crumbling, expressing a dire need for external assistance. “Our village is nearly gone, and many of us are still digging for loved ones,” he pleaded, highlighting the urgent need for help.

Intensifying humanitarian crisis

The earthquake comes amid ongoing humanitarian struggles in Afghanistan, further exacerbated by prolonged drought and the repatriation of millions of Afghan refugees. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, called for international support in response to the disaster, urging donors to respond swiftly to the escalating humanitarian needs.

As local medical teams mobilize, flights are being diverted to Nangarhar airport to facilitate the urgent transfer of injured individuals to hospitals. However, many areas remain isolated, limiting communication and rescue efforts.

The tremors were also felt in parts of neighboring Pakistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and offered assistance to the Afghan government.

In response to this disaster, the international community faces pressing calls to address the growing humanitarian needs as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the earthquake.