MWE Correspondent
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, 2025, leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured.
The shallow tremor, approximately 10 kilometers deep, shook communities across Nangarhar Province and was felt as far away as Kabul and neighboring Pakistan, including Islamabad.
The Taliban-run interior ministry reported that over 600 people may have died, though officials warn the toll could rise as rescue teams reach remote areas. Entire villages have been flattened, with buildings collapsing under the force of the quake. Narrow roads, landslides, and damaged infrastructure have made relief efforts particularly challenging, slowing the delivery of aid to those most in need.
Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed, and medical supplies are running dangerously low. Emergency responders, supported by international aid organizations, are working tirelessly to rescue trapped residents, provide medical care, and distribute food and water to survivors. Despite the coordinated response, many remote communities remain cut off, highlighting the difficulties of delivering timely assistance in Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain.
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Earthquakes are a frequent hazard in Afghanistan due to the country’s location along the Himalayan tectonic belt, and the combination of seismic activity and vulnerable infrastructure has historically resulted in high casualties. This latest disaster is considered one of the deadliest in recent years, surpassing the June 2022 earthquake that claimed more than 1,000 lives.
Experts warn that the death toll could rise sharply in the coming days as rescue teams reach isolated villages and uncover more casualties. In addition to fatalities and injuries, the quake has displaced tens of thousands of people, leaving many homeless and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical support.
International humanitarian organizations are coordinating efforts with local authorities to provide relief and support long-term recovery. However, the scale of destruction underscores the urgent need for resources, including medical aid, temporary shelters, and emergency food supplies.
