Afghanistan Earthquake Kills More Than 800: Interior Ministry

A magnitude 6 earthquake killed more than 800 people and injured at least 2,500 in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, the Taliban government stated on Sept. 1.

Most of the casualties were in Kunar, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman told reporters on Sept. 1.

Casualties may increase as rescuers continue to search for those still trapped under rubble. RTA reported that the nation’s military rescue units and air force have been sent to assist.

The quake’s epicenter was 27 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province, with a depth of eight kilometers (five miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Afghanistan Red Crescent (ARC) stated on social media that it has deployed medical teams to the affected areas to provide emergency assistance to the victims.

The U.N. office in Afghanistan stated that it was “deeply saddened” over the earthquake that struck the country’s eastern region and left hundreds of people dead.

“Our teams are on the ground, delivering emergency assistance & lifesaving support. Our thoughts are with the affected communities,” the U.N. stated on X.

The European Union delegation to Afghanistan stated that its humanitarian partners are “actively on the ground” delivering critical aid to earthquake victims.

“The #EU extends its heartfelt condolences to all affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Afghanistan’s #Kunar & #Nangarhar provinces,” the EU stated. “We stand in full solidarity with Afghans.”

Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Takayoshi Kuromiya, also expressed his condolences to Afghan earthquake victims on social media and pledged that his nation will provide support to those affected.

“I sincerely wish for the quick rescue and search operations as well as the quick recovery of those who are affected,” he said. “Japan is monitoring the situation and stands ready to support the affected people.”

In October 2023, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan, accompanied by multiple strong aftershocks, leaving more than 2,000 people dead and hundreds injured. The epicenter was about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Herat.

The country also experienced a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in June 2022, which left more than 1,000 people dead in Paktika and Khost provinces, according to UNICEF.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.