A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, leaving at least nine people dead and more than 25 injured. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the quake was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, with a depth of 8 kilometers.
Nangarhar’s Public Health Department spokesperson, Nakeebullah Rahimi, confirmed that nine people lost their lives while 25 others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to local hospitals for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition. Another provincial spokesperson, Ajmal Darwish, also confirmed the casualties and stated that rescue and relief operations were underway.
The tremors were so strong that they were felt not only across Afghanistan but also in neighboring Pakistan and several parts of northern India. In India, people in Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions reported strong tremors late at night, prompting many to rush out of their homes in panic. Social media was flooded with posts from residents describing the intensity of the quake.
USGS reported that about 20 minutes after the initial quake, another tremor struck the same region. This aftershock measured 4.5 in magnitude with a depth of 10 kilometers. The second quake occurred at 11:47 p.m. local time.
Afghanistan is located in a seismically active region and frequently experiences earthquakes. In recent years, the country has witnessed several devastating quakes. In October 2023, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Herat province claimed thousands of lives, highlighting the vulnerability of Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure. Experts point out that the combination of the country’s geographic position and poorly built structures makes earthquakes particularly deadly.
Sunday’s earthquake has once again instilled fear among the local population. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and move to safer areas if needed, as aftershocks are likely to continue. Relief agencies are monitoring the situation closely while emergency response teams are engaged in rescue efforts.
