More than 600 killed in Afghanistan quake, Taliban interior ministry says

A devastating magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, resulting in over 600 fatalities and more than 1,500 injuries, as reported by the Taliban interior ministry, with rescue efforts ongoing in the difficult-to-access mountainous region. The earthquake occurred at 23:47 local time on August 31, 2025, with its epicenter 27 kilometers from Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, affecting neighboring Kunar and Laghman provinces. The shallow depth of 8 kilometers amplified the destruction, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Initial reports from local officials indicated hundreds dead, with the death toll rapidly rising as rescue teams reached affected areas. The Taliban interior ministry confirmed 622 deaths and over 1,500 injuries, with numbers expected to increase as remote villages are accessed. The affected region is characterized by rugged mountains and narrow roads, many of which were blocked by landslides triggered by the quake. This has severely hampered ground-based rescue operations, forcing authorities to use helicopters to airlift injured individuals to hospitals. Hospitals in nearby cities like Jalalabad and Asadabad are overwhelmed with casualties. Dr. Muladad, head of the provincial hospital in Asadabad, described admitting one patient every five minutes, with bed space exhausted and patients lying on the ground. International aid organizations, including UNICEF, have mobilized teams to assist with relief efforts. However, access remains a challenge, and the full scale of the disaster is yet to be determined due to communication blackouts and difficult terrain. Afghanistan is no stranger to deadly earthquakes, sitting on multiple fault lines. Similar disasters in recent years, such as the 2023 Herat earthquake that killed over 1,000 people, highlight the country’s vulnerability to seismic events. The Taliban government has requested international assistance and is coordinating rescue operations. Priorities include medical care, shelter, and essential supplies for survivors, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods. As aftershocks continue, the focus is on saving lives and providing immediate aid. The long-term recovery will require sustained support from the global community to rebuild shattered communities and strengthen resilience against future quakes.