KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A magnitude 6.0 earthquake ravaged eastern Afghanistan, claiming around 800 lives and inflicting injuries on over 2,500 individuals, with the situation still unfolding.
The quake struck at 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, shaking the Kunar province and nearby Jalalabad. As residents claw through debris to rescue trapped loved ones, pleas for help echo across the region.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the death toll, stating that many victims are in Kunar, where entire villages have been devastated. Eyewitnesses describe homes crumbling and chaos as people screamed for help.
Sadiqullah, a resident who survived the initial quake, shared his horrifying experience of being trapped with several family members, underscoring the dire need for speedy rescue efforts and assistance.
Rescue operations are actively being coordinated, with medical teams from various regions mobilizing to aid the critically injured.
Global leaders and humanitarian organizations have called for immediate support, as international aid is deemed crucial to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the disaster.
This earthquake follows recent seismic activity in the region, including a tragic quake in October 2023 that reportedly resulted in over 4,000 deaths.
