Afghan Earthquake Death Toll Exceeds 1,400

A devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, leaving at least 1,411 people dead and more than 3,000 injured. Entire villages in the mountainous Kunar and Nangarhar provinces were flattened, with thousands of homes—primarily constructed from wood and mud—collapsing as families slept.

Rescue Efforts Hampered by Terrain and Infrastructure

Rescue operations have been severely hindered by blocked roads, landslides, and the remote nature of the affected communities. Survivors have had to carry the injured on foot for hours to reach basic medical assistance. Helicopters have been essential for delivering aid and evacuating the wounded, but in many areas, even air support is limited. In locations where helicopters cannot land, commando forces have been air-dropped to extract survivors from the rubble and transport them to safety. Emergency camps and coordination sites have been established to facilitate the rescue and relief operations.

Humanitarian Crisis and International Response

The destruction has left thousands homeless and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical care. Local health officials and international agencies warn that resources are critically insufficient, with food and medicine in short supply. The United Nations and Afghan health ministry have issued urgent appeals for international assistance, stressing that the country’s capacity to respond is overwhelmed after years of conflict and cuts to foreign aid. Neighboring countries, including China, have pledged support, but the flow of aid is slow due to logistical challenges and political complications.

Political and Social Complications

Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, Afghanistan has faced a sharp reduction in international aid, as many donors are wary of supporting the current regime. The Taliban’s restrictive policies, particularly those targeting women and girls, have further marginalized vulnerable populations and complicated the delivery of essential services. Women, now largely excluded from health care roles, face additional barriers in accessing medical assistance, raising concerns about hidden casualties and untreated injuries. The situation is compounded by the broader humanitarian crisis already gripping Afghanistan, with repeated natural disasters placing immense strain on already depleted resources.