Powerful Earthquake Rocks Eastern Afghanistan
KABUL, September 1, 2025 — A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck eastern Afghanistan late on August 31, 2025, at 23:47 AFT, near the border with Pakistan. The Kunar and Nangarhar provinces bore the brunt of the damage. Authorities report more than 800 fatalities and over 2,500 injuries in one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit the region this year.
Devastation Across Villages and Provinces
The quake’s epicenter was located in Kuz Kunar District, about 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad, affecting multiple provinces including Laghman. Entire villages were flattened, with hundreds of homes—primarily constructed from mud and stone—destroyed. Steep terrain in areas like Nurgal District further hampered rescue operations.
Residents in the aftermath described buildings reducing to rubble and chaos as people searched for missing family members. Several aftershocks, including a significant 5.2-magnitude tremor early Monday morning, added to the devastation as rescue teams mobilized.
Relief Efforts and Humanitarian Response
The Taliban-run interior ministry confirmed the rising death toll, with fatalities expected to increase as rescue efforts reach remote areas. Authorities have deployed helicopters, medical teams, and search-and-rescue groups to assist survivors and transport the wounded.
Several international organizations, including the Afghan Red Crescent and the UN, have launched emergency aid operations. Given the region’s rugged terrain and poor connectivity, delivering humanitarian support remains a formidable challenge.
Geologic Context and Aftershock Risk
Afghanistan’s eastern region lies along the Hindu Kush seismic belt, where tectonic pressure regularly triggers earthquakes. This quake was shallow, amplifying its destructive potential. Tremors were felt as far as Kabul, Islamabad, and Peshawar, underlining the quake’s wide geographic impact.
In light of ongoing aftershocks and unstable structures, authorities have urged residents in affected areas to avoid reentering damaged buildings and to remain alert for additional tremors.
Significance of the Disaster
This earthquake poses a severe humanitarian crisis for Afghanistan, a nation already strained by persistent conflict, poverty, and limited infrastructure. The combined effects of displacement, injuries, and loss of homes will likely intensify the need for aid and recovery efforts in the coming weeks.
For readers worldwide, the disaster is a stark reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness, especially in regions prone to seismic activity. The emphasis must now be on immediate relief, followed by long-term rebuilding and resilience strategies.
FAQs
It occurred on August 31, 2025, at 23:47 AFT, centered in Kuz Kunar District, eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.
Authorities report over 800 deaths and more than 2,500 injuries, with expectations of rising figures as rescue operations continue.
Rescue teams including helicopters and medical units are active. The Afghan Red Crescent and UN agencies have launched emergency aid dispatches, although access to remote areas remains difficult.
Sources:
The guardian
Times of India
CBS News
