catastrophic earthquake leaves destruction in eastern Afghanistan, claiming lives of 800 individuals and injuring 2,500 others.

In a tragic turn of events, an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 hit eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night. The quake, which was centred 27 kilometres east-northeast of Jalalabad, has caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

The earthquake occurred just eight kilometres deep, making it a shallower quake that tends to cause more damage. The epicentre of the earthquake was in the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighbouring Nangarhar province.

According to the Taliban government, at least 800 people have died, and more than 2,500 have been injured. Entire roads and communities have been cut off from accessing nearby towns or hospitals, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.

Rescue operations and medical teams are currently in the affected areas, working tirelessly to save lives and provide aid. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has identified immediate needs, including search and rescue support, emergency healthcare and medical supplies, food, clean water, and restoring road access to reach isolated communities.

Sherine Ibrahim, the country director for the aid agency, expressed profound fear for the additional strain on the overall humanitarian response in Afghanistan. The latest earthquake is likely to "dwarf the scale of the humanitarian needs" caused by the 2023 earthquake.

Global funding cuts have dramatically hampered the ability to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, urged international donors to support relief efforts.

In a positive development, various organisations have stepped up to provide aid. DAHW (German Lepra and Tuberculosis Relief Association) supplied food, drinking water, and emergency shelters. The Johanniter offered medical care with two mobile clinics. The German Red Cross (DRK) supported relief efforts in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent and the Afghan Red Crescent.

Unfortunately, no reports of casualties or damage were reported in Pakistan, despite the earthquake being felt in parts of the country. However, it is important to note that many homes in Afghanistan are poorly built, which may have exacerbated the damage caused by the earthquake.

Additionally, at least 1.2 million Afghans have been forced to return from Iran and Pakistan so far this year. This displacement, combined with the aftermath of the earthquake, will undoubtedly put further pressure on the already strained resources in the region.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial that the international community comes together to support Afghanistan in its time of need.

catastrophic earthquake leaves destruction in eastern Afghanistan, claiming lives of 800 individuals and injuring 2,500 others.