Over 800 dead in Afghanistan quake; UN warns of devastation.
A magnitude 6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, resulting in over 800 fatalities, as reported by the Taliban-led government. Multiple villages have been "completely destroyed."
The International Rescue Committee has warned that the recent earthquake in Afghanistan is expected to surpass the humanitarian needs created by the previous major tremor in October 2023. The 6.3 magnitude quake in 2023, followed by strong aftershocks, was considered Afghanistan's deadliest natural disaster in recent times, with the Taliban government estimating 4,000 deaths, while the UN cited around 1,500 casualties.
Sherine Ibrahim, the IRC Afghan country director, stated that within the initial twelve hours, approximately 1,500 individuals were injured, and entire communities were isolated from nearby towns and hospitals. The earthquake has added strain to the ongoing humanitarian response in Afghanistan due to global funding cuts, according to Ibrahim.
Jacopo Caridi, the country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, reported that the earthquake has compounded Afghanistan's existing crises, such as extreme poverty and limited disaster response capabilities. The affected areas are largely inaccessible due to collapsed roads, hindering rescue efforts and leaving bodies on the streets due to lack of space.
The Red Cross anticipates more aftershocks in the coming days, complicating recovery operations as floods and landslides impede relief efforts. The Afghan Red Crescent Society has deployed emergency teams to assist those affected by the earthquake, with the British Red Cross providing aid in the remote and mountainous quake-hit region.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow over the significant loss of life caused by the earthquake in Afghanistan, offering prayers for the deceased, injured, and missing individuals. The Vatican's secretary of state conveyed the Pope's solidarity with those mourning loved ones and with the emergency personnel and civil authorities involved in rescue operations.
A seismologist explained that over 200,000 people in the affected region likely experienced strong ground shaking due to the earthquake's shallow depth. Vulnerable buildings made of materials like adobe blocks and unreinforced brick are at risk of considerable damage. The region's seismic activity is attributed to Afghanistan's location at the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Journalist Ali Latifi highlighted the challenges faced by Afghanistan in delivering aid following the earthquake, citing funding cuts and an influx of returning refugees. He emphasized the urgent need for assistance despite political differences, especially in the face of a devastating natural disaster.
Rescue efforts in rural areas affected by the earthquake have been hindered by undeveloped infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access medical facilities. Treacherous journeys on unpaved mountainous roads have complicated the transportation of injured individuals to hospitals, with limited resources and rescue equipment available.
A survivor of the earthquake recounted being trapped under rubble after losing his wife and two sons in the disaster. Sadiqullah, from Nurgal, described the harrowing experience of being half-buried and unable to escape until help arrived. The earthquake's impact was likened to the entire mountain shaking, causing widespread devastation in the region.