An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale jolted eastern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday, leaving more than 100 people injured, according to initial reports.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, at a depth of 8 kilometers. A second tremor, measuring 4.5 magnitude, followed 20 minutes later at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed in a social media statement that the quake caused both human and material losses. He added that rescue teams have been deployed, while local authorities and residents are actively engaged in relief operations.
The Taliban government has also appealed to international aid organizations for assistance.
Reports from Kunar province suggest the death toll could be significantly higher. A Taliban official involved in evacuations said that in one village alone, 21 people were killed and 35 injured, with helicopters being used to recover bodies.
Access to many of the affected regions remains challenging due to landslides, floods, and damaged communication networks, leaving several areas cut off.
It is worth recalling that in 2022, a powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 1,000 people and injuring around 3,000, making it the country’s deadliest quake in two decades.
