KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A powerful earthquake rocked eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing at least 800 people and injuring over 2,500, according to figures released by the Taliban government. The 6.0 magnitude quake struck at 11:47 p.m. local time, primarily affecting Kunar province near Jalalabad, causing widespread destruction in the region.
In the aftermath, desperate residents clawed through rubble searching for missing loved ones. Eyewitness reports reveal scenes of devastation, with trapped victims unable to escape as others frantically dug through the debris. Footage captured rescuers assisting the injured and transporting them to safety via helicopters.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported that the majority of fatalities occurred in Kunar, where entire villages were obliterated. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including one resident who tragically lost his wife and two sons while being trapped under collapsed structures for several hours.
Communications have been disrupted in mountainous areas, complicating rescue efforts. Medical teams from Kunar, Nangarhar, and Kabul have been dispatched to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts, with hopes of reaching those in remote locations.
In light of the tragedy, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi urged international donors to step up support for humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance amidst ongoing challenges faced by the Afghan population.
The quake's effects were felt in neighboring Pakistan, including in Islamabad, but no casualties were reported there. Local officials in Afghanistan are continuing to assess the situation and report on casualties as more information becomes available.
This disaster builds upon the already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, with more than 1.2 million Afghans having been forced to return from Iran and Pakistan this year alone.
