Strong earthquake strikes Afghanistan once again

In a devastating turn of events, a powerful earthquake hit Afghanistan on Monday night, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) in Potsdam reported a magnitude of 6.3 for the earthquake, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported a magnitude of 6.0. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) later revised the magnitude to 5.6.

The earthquake occurred near Jalalabad, Afghanistan, at a depth of ten kilometers. The tremors from the earthquake were felt in neighboring countries of India and Pakistan, although no reports of significant damage or casualties have been reported in these countries.

The latest reports from the ruling Taliban and the Afghan Red Crescent Society indicate around 2,200 deaths and over 3,600 injuries from the earthquake. Thousands of houses have been destroyed, and many of the affected areas are difficult to access, hindering relief efforts and the recovery of victims, according to aid organizations.

The rescue operations from the earthquake are still ongoing. Entire families have been buried under the rubble, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). No new information about the magnitude of the earthquake from the GFZ or USGS has been provided since the initial reports.

The situation is dire, and the international community is urged to provide aid and support to the affected areas. The focus remains on rescue and relief efforts, with the hope that more survivors can be found and rescued. As the situation develops, updates will be provided regarding the extent of the damage and the number of casualties.