Kabul, September 1, 2025 — 12:30 p.m. local time (08:00 GMT)
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday night, leaving a trail of destruction across Kunar and Nangarhar provinces and causing casualties feared to be in the hundreds.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor struck at 11:47 p.m. local time (1917 GMT, August 31), with its epicenter about 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar Province. The quake was shallow at a depth of just 8 kilometers making it particularly destructive. Tremors were felt across eastern Afghanistan and into neighboring Pakistan.
Heavy Casualties in Kunar Province
Initial reports from local authorities indicate that Kunar Province has been worst hit, with at least 250 people killed and more than 530 injured. Entire villages in mountainous districts such as Nurgal and Mazar-e-Dara were flattened, while landslides triggered by the quake blocked key roads, hampering rescue operations.
In Nangarhar Province, officials confirmed nine deaths and more than two dozen injuries, mostly caused by collapsing houses and falling debris.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency teams, supported by local residents, began digging survivors out of the rubble through the night. In Jalalabad, hospitals reported being overwhelmed as injured residents rushed in, while local volunteers queued to donate blood.
In Kunar, helicopters were dispatched to reach remote villages cut off by landslides. However, officials warned that the true scale of destruction may not be known for several days, as many mountainous communities remain inaccessible.
Regional Impact
The quake sent tremors across the border, with residents in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reporting shaking that forced many people into the streets. No immediate casualties were reported in Pakistan.
A Nation in Crisis
Afghanistan, already grappling with economic hardship and limited healthcare infrastructure, faces a mounting humanitarian crisis. Local authorities appealed for urgent international aid, warning that thousands of people have been left homeless overnight.
“This disaster has struck communities that were already vulnerable. We urgently need medical supplies, shelter, and food,” said a provincial official in Kunar.
At a Glance
- Time of quake: 11:47 p.m. local time, August 31, 2025 (1917 GMT)
- Magnitude: 6.0 (USGS)
- Epicenter: 27 km ENE of Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province
- Depth: 8 km
- Casualties:
- Kunar: 250+ dead, 530+ injured
- Nangarhar: 9 dead, 25+ injured
- Impact: Entire villages destroyed, roads blocked by landslides, hospitals overwhelmed
By:@samia___zaheer
