Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake since 2015 has killed more than 800 people and injured thousands. The Taliban calls for urgent aid, warning the death toll may rise without international support.
Afghanistan has been struck by its deadliest earthquake since 2015, leaving more than 800 people dead and thousands injured. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.
Rising Casualties and Widespread Damage
The powerful quake has devastated several provinces, including Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan. According to a government source:
- Kunar: More than 800 killed, at least 2,000 injured (initial estimates, subject to confirmation)
- Nangarhar: 12 dead, 255 injured
- Laghman: 58 injured
- Nuristan: 2 injured
The figures are still being updated as rescue teams struggle to reach remote villages. Entire communities have been flattened to rubble, and survivors are searching desperately for loved ones trapped beneath collapsed homes.
Taliban Calls for International Assistance
Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban spokesman based in Doha, confirmed that the situation is worsening.
“There is an urgent need for field hospitals, rescue equipment, shelter, food, and clean water in the quake-affected areas,” Shaheen said.
The Taliban-led government has appealed to international aid agencies and neighboring countries for immediate assistance. Without urgent action, disease outbreaks and starvation could compound the crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis Looms
Afghanistan was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions suffering from hunger, poverty, and lack of medical access. The earthquake has now deepened these challenges, creating a dire emergency for families who have lost everything.
Experts warn that the disaster could overwhelm Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system, which has been under strain since international funding was cut in 2021. Hospitals in the affected provinces are reporting shortages of medicine, beds, and doctors, leaving many victims untreated.
Global Community Urged to Act
The United Nations, the Red Crescent, and several NGOs are preparing to mobilize relief operations. However, aid delivery faces logistical hurdles due to damaged infrastructure and security challenges in rural areas.
Humanitarian groups stress that international solidarity is crucial to prevent further loss of life. Supplies of tents, food rations, clean drinking water, and medical equipment are top priorities.
Afghanistan’s Deadliest Quake in a Decade
The latest earthquake is Afghanistan’s worst since 2015, when a magnitude 7.5 quake killed over 300 people and injured thousands. This time, with over 800 deaths already confirmed, the impact is significantly higher.
The tragedy underscores Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, with limited infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Analysts warn that the scale of destruction could set back development efforts for years.
Urgent Need for Aid and Support
As night falls on devastated villages, thousands remain homeless and exposed to the elements. Families are seen huddled in makeshift shelters, mourning loved ones while waiting for help.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the international community can prevent further catastrophe. Without swift action, the death toll is expected to rise, and survivors risk succumbing to injuries, hunger, and disease.
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