KABUL – Afghanistan: A devastating earthquake measuring 6.0 in magnitude struck Afghanistan, leaving more than 800 people dead and thousands injured, officials confirmed on Sunday. The tremor has become one of the deadliest disasters to hit the country in recent years, further straining Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and humanitarian system.
The quake, which struck in the early hours of the morning, flattened entire villages, destroyed homes, and buried families under rubble. Rescue operations have been launched in several affected provinces, with emergency teams working around the clock to recover survivors.
Authorities reported that thousands of homes have collapsed, forcing many families to spend the night in open fields. Hospitals in the affected areas are overwhelmed, with medical staff struggling to treat the influx of patients amid shortages of supplies.
The Afghan government has appealed for international assistance, urging global humanitarian organizations to step in and provide urgent aid. Rescue efforts have been hampered by blocked roads and limited access to remote districts, leaving many areas cut off.
Officials fear the death toll could rise further as many victims remain trapped beneath debris. The United Nations has also expressed grave concern and is coordinating with aid agencies to assess damage and provide relief support.
This earthquake comes as Afghanistan continues to grapple with poverty, political instability, and the aftermath of years of conflict, making the disaster’s impact even more devastating for the population.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.