The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan continues to rise rapidly. According to the latest official figures, more than 800 people have been killed, while at least 2,500 others have been injured. Local authorities fear that many more bodies remain trapped under the rubble, which could push the casualty figures even higher.
On Monday (September 1), Al Jazeera reported that Afghan government spokesperson Mawlawi Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the quake has so far claimed over 800 lives and left around 2,500 people injured. He added, “Rescue operations are ongoing. The number of casualties may rise further.”
The earthquake, measuring magnitude 6, struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday (August 31) at 11:47 p.m. local time. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake originated just 8 kilometers deep, making it shallow and therefore more destructive. At least 13 aftershocks followed, ranging between 4.5 and 5.2 in magnitude.
Tremors were felt in Kabul as well as in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. The worst-hit area was Noor Gul district in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, near the Pakistan border. Heavy damage was also reported in Sawkay, Watapur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara districts. According to the Health Ministry, three villages in Kunar province were completely destroyed.
The Afghan Disaster Ministry reported that landslides have cut off access to several remote areas, severely hampering rescue efforts. Health Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman warned that the death toll is likely to rise, as many areas remain inaccessible.
Afghanistan, prone to earthquakes due to its geological location, has witnessed several deadly quakes in the past. Records show that over the last three decades, at least 10,000 people have lost their lives to earthquakes in the country.
