Catastrophic earthquake in Afghanistan claims over 800 lives

In the early hours of September 1, 2025, a devastating 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit the eastern region of Afghanistan, specifically in the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar. The quake, which occurred 27 kilometres from the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, has left a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to the Taliban authorities, more than 800 people have lost their lives, and over 2,750 have been injured in the disaster. The affected population in Afghanistan, many of whom are among the more than four million Afghans who have returned to the country from Iran and Pakistan in recent years, are bearing the brunt of this tragedy.

The majority of the affected population in Afghanistan live in low-rise, mud-brick homes that are vulnerable to collapse. This, coupled with the limited communication networks in the affected areas, has made rescue and aid efforts more challenging.

The UN migration agency has warned that some of the most severely impacted villages in remote Kunar provinces are inaccessible due to road blockages. Ijaz Ulhaq Yaad, a member of the agricultural department in Kunar's Nurgal district, reported that people had rushed to clear blocked roads to isolated villages, but the affected areas are remote and hard to access.

The Taliban authorities and the United Nations have mobilized rescue efforts to the affected areas. The German Red Cross (DRK) and the aid alliance Aktion Deutschland Hilft have also mobilized to provide emergency relief and rescue efforts in the earthquake-affected areas of eastern and southeastern Afghanistan.

Afghanistan, a country that has been contending with a series of humanitarian crises due to four decades of war, is in a state of full solidarity with the people of the country after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added his condolences to those shared by the Taliban government and several nations.

It is important to note that Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range. In October 2023, western Herat province was devastated by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, which killed more than 1,500 people. In June 2022, a 5.9-magnitude quake struck the impoverished eastern border province of Paktika, killing more than 1,000 people.

Since the return of the Taliban, foreign aid to Afghanistan has been slashed, undermining the nation's ability to respond to disasters. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Afghan people and the urgent need for international support.

The Afghan defence ministry reported that 40 flight sorties have been carried out as part of the rescue efforts. A series of at least five aftershocks followed the initial quake throughout the night, with the strongest being one of magnitude 5.2.

As the world watches, the Afghan people affected by this disaster are in desperate need of aid, support, and solidarity. The Taliban authorities, the United Nations, and international aid organisations are working tirelessly to provide the necessary assistance to those in need.