Devastating Earthquake Hits Afghanistan: Key Facts and Updates

Tue Oct 21 2025 08:28:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has struck Eastern Afghanistan, leading to significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Here's what we know so far.

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.0 rocked Eastern Afghanistan, claiming hundreds of lives and causing extensive damage. The quake struck near Jalalabad, felt as far away as Kabul. Access to the affected regions is complicated due to challenging terrain and landslides, complicating rescue efforts. The Taliban reports over 600 feared dead yet stress the death toll is still uncertain. The situation is developing, and international aid is being sought.

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has struck Afghanistan's mountainous eastern region, with authorities saying hundreds of people have been killed.

The quake hit at 23:47 local time on Sunday (19:17 GMT) and its epicentre was 27km (17 miles) away from Jalalabad, the country's fifth-largest city, in eastern Nangarhar province. It was shallow - only 8km deep - and was felt 140km away in the capital, Kabul, as well as in neighbouring Pakistan.

Initial reports indicate significant casualties and widespread damage, particularly in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. These mountainous areas are extremely challenging to reach, which is hampering rescue and relief operations.

The Taliban's interior ministry reports more than 600 fatalities, although they caution that the true death toll is still unclear and evolving. The road leading to the epicentre is blocked by landslides, prompting the use of helicopters for rescue operations.

This earthquake follows flash flooding that occurred over the weekend, which had already wreaked havoc in the region, leaving at least five dead and disrupting vital infrastructure.

Experts warn that further information on the extent of the disaster will be delayed due to damaged infrastructure and limited communications. Afghanistan's vulnerability to earthquakes, compounded by poor building structures and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, raises concerns about the country's ability to cope with this disaster.