TV
A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc in eastern Afghanistan, leaving over 800 dead and more than 2,500 injured. Entire villages have been flattened, and desperate rescue efforts are underway as the world rushes to assist the quake-hit nation.
Massive Destruction in Kunar Province
The quake struck 36 km north of Basawul just before midnight, triggering several aftershocks. The tremors were so strong that they were felt as far away as New Delhi and other parts of northern India.
Kunar province bore the worst impact, with three villages, Nurgal, Chawkay, and Watapur, reduced to rubble. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that nearly 800 people died in Kunar alone, while Nangarhar province reported 12 deaths and 255 injuries.
Rescue Efforts Face Challenges
Rescue teams, including the UN and local authorities, are racing against time to save those trapped under the debris. However, blocked roads and inaccessible terrain are hampering relief operations. The UN migration agency warned that several severely affected areas remain out of reach.
"Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake. Conveyed that India has delivered 1,000 family tents today in Kabul," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said in a social media post.
Earlier, PM Modi too expressed condolences and assured full support to the neighbouring country in his time of grief and sorrow.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected," said PM Modi in a X post.
So far, 40 emergency flights have been deployed, transporting more than 420 wounded and dead. Residents have joined security forces in carrying survivors to ambulances and makeshift medical camps.
Fragile Infrastructure Worsens Crisis
Most Afghan families live in mud-brick homes, which collapse easily during seismic events. This has compounded the devastation in the remote, mountainous border regions shared with Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s health ministry has mobilized all available teams for immediate relief, while India and other nations have stepped forward with aid and support to help the quake-hit communities rebuild.
