The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan has risen to more than 800, with at least 2,817 people injured, according to government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
The 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck just before midnight near the border with Pakistan, causing widespread destruction across several districts in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. Entire villages have been destroyed, and communications have been disrupted, complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors beneath the rubble, with the assistance of military helicopters. However, the mountainous terrain and poor infrastructure have further complicated rescue operations.
“All available resources will be utilized to save lives,” said Mujahid. The eastern province of Kunar is the worst affected, followed by Nangarhar, Laghman, Nuristan, and Panjshir.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) has expressed concern over the scale of the disaster, stating that it “far exceeds the current capacity of local authorities and communities”.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also warned that the trading hub of Jalalabad may have suffered a “very high death toll”. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch urged international donors to step in, saying, “Afghans need our support and assistance now before it’s too late for many others”.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has also warned that the death toll is “absolutely” expected to rise as more victims are discovered.
Homa Nader, acting deputy head of the Afghanistan delegation for the IFRC, said responders must contend with a series of complex “risk factors” in the quake’s aftermath, including unsafe roads and a lack of shelter for those who have lost their homes. “Access is a huge issue at this moment,” she said.
Islamic Relief has deployed an emergency health team to provide critical services to survivors of the earthquake.
Ibrahim Ahmed Alhomadi, Islamic Relief’s head of programmes in Afghanistan, said, “People have lost everything and desperately need healthcare, food, water and shelter”.
The organisation is responding particularly in areas of Kunar province to provide essential health services, including mother and child healthcare, treatment of injuries, nutrition support, and trauma care.
The earthquake has also sparked an outpouring of support from around the world, with Pope Francis expressing his condolences for the victims.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed his solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, saying, “I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today”.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is coming together to provide support and assistance to those affected by the earthquake. The urgent need for field hospitals, shelter, food, and clean water remains a top priority, and aid organisations are working to deliver essential services to survivors.